RICHMOND, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today formally accepted an invitation to participate in a televised, statewide gubernatorial debate hosted by WAVY-TV and Norfolk State University on Thursday, October, 9, 2025.

This event marks the second statewide, Virginia-focused debate the Democratic nominee for Governor has accepted, along with the statewide “People’s Debate” at Virginia State University — which was cancelled due to her opponent declining after months of negotiations.

“Virginians have a clear choice in November. Abigail Spanberger is the only candidate with a gameplan for lowering costs for Virginia families, strengthening Virginia’s public schools, and standing up for Virginia’s economy in this moment of chaos and uncertainty,” said Samson Signori, Campaign Manager, Spanberger for Governor. “Abigail is prepared and ready to debate the issues at Norfolk State University, outline her vision for putting Virginians first, and make clear that her opponent is far too extreme for the Commonwealth.”

Last week after months of negotiations, Winsome Earle-Sears refused to participate in the traditional, statewide “People’s Debate” — which would have been hosted by Virginia State University, AARP Virginia, WTVR-TV, WJLA-TV, and WTKR-TV. Spanberger formally accepted participation in the “People’s Debate” more than one month earlier on July 11.