{
  "id": 9739725,
  "title": "Debate-shy: Candidates aren't sharing the stage like they used to",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/debate-shy-candidates-arent-sharing-the-stage-like-they-used-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T09:15:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Axios",
    "slug": "axios",
    "url": "https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/debates-decline-2026-midterm-elections"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Political candidates are increasingly avoiding formal debates as a regular part of campaign strategy, signaling a shift in how political races are conducted. In a midterm cycle marked by substantial spending on contrast ads, candidates are opting out of face-to-face challenges, preferring to attack their rivals indirectly. This shift in behavior, fueled by parties and super PACs, reflects the evolution of political campaigns in the digital age, where short video clips can reach wide audiences but also expose candidates to potential mistakes. While debates offer opportunities for candidates to connect with voters, they also carry risks, as unforced errors can spread quickly. In 10 key gubernatorial races, there are no agreed-upon debates between major-party nominees in half of them, up from just two races four years ago. Similarly, in 10 close Senate races, no debates are scheduled in three states, compared to one last time around. Some campaigns are still negotiating potential venues and moderators, but the trend of avoiding debates appears to be growing. Florida's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, David Jolly, recently became the latest official to decline a debate with Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, citing the other candidate's use of \"bad faith\" and \"lies.\" This latest no-show marks the first time since 1974 that Florida has not had a gubernatorial debate. Other states, such as Ohio, Texas, and Nevada, also show a decline in debates, with candidates citing personal attacks or the effectiveness of direct engagement with voters over traditional debates. The trend of avoiding debates is not limited to gubernatorial races; even Senate races, traditionally built around debate, are seeing fewer opportunities for formal exchanges. This shift highlights how the changing political and media landscape is influencing the strategies of candidates, as they navigate the challenges of modern campaigning.",
  "summary": "Debates in political campaigns used to be a given. Today, candidates increasingly view them as optional — or a political liability to be avoided. Why it matters: In a midterm cycle dominated by unprecedented spending on contrast ads, the candidates themselves are remarkably reluctant to challenge each other face-to-face. It's a sign of how campaigns have evolved, and an erosion of norms:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Candidates avoid formal debates in midterm cycle.",
    "No debates in 10 gubernatorial races, 3 Senate races.",
    "Florida's Jolly declines debate with Donalds."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}