Delaware Debates 2020

Delaware's candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and gubernatorial races will meet for Delaware Debates 2020 on Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 14. The event marks the sixth biennial Delaware Debates since 2010, a joint initiative of the University of Delaware's Center for Political Communication (CPC) and Delaware Public Media (WDDE 91.1, WMPH 91.7 and WMHS 88.1).

In light of COVID-19 restrictions, Delaware Debates will be live-streamed without an audience from a studio on UD's campus. A stream of the event can be viewed at sites.udel.edu/udlive. The link becomes active approximately one hour before the event begins. 

• Tuesday, October 13, 6:30 p.m.—Candidates for Delaware Governor
  
• Wednesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m.—Candidates for U.S. House of Representatives
• Wednesday, October 14, 8:00 p.m.—Candidates for U.S. Senate

Ralph Begleiter, founding director of the Center for Political Communication and former CNN journalist, returns to the University of Delaware to moderate. He will pose questions about key issues facing Delaware and the nation such as the economy, the pandemic, and climate change. 

"I am thrilled Ralph Begleiter is back to moderate the three scheduled debates this year. Ralph's knowledge of the issues and commitment to fairness ensures that the community will have what they need to compare the candidates and make their choice on election day," said Nancy Karibjanian, director of the CPC. 

To learn more about Delaware Debates, visit Past National Agenda Events for videos of Delaware Debates in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Visit the Delaware Debates 2018 story for the UDaily article, official videos, transcripts, podcasts, and photos. 

The University of Delaware's Center for Political Communication is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary initiative that is committed to the emerging field of political communication.

• The CPC supports collaborative, interdisciplinary teams of social scientists, who examine issues related to voting, civil rights and liberties, media effects, and intergroup relations.
• The CPC's events and programs inspire public participation in politics, engaging the next generation of public service leaders, in the United States and abroad.
• University of Delaware students expand their knowledge about political communication by minoring in political communication as undergraduates.
• The CPC supports University of Delaware students and UD departments who conduct their own initiatives to support political communication, especially research and public events.