New Mexico voters will not see a televised debate between the two candidates for governor as the campaigns remain at odds over dates and venues. Both sides have exchanged public statements accusing the other of avoiding the forum.

Hull insists a compromise date is on the table

Mayor Gregg Hull wrote to local media that a compromise date of Oct. 8 had already been set by KOB. He said his campaign will attend that date and urged Haaland’s team to honor the commitment. Hull noted that the dates Haaland’s campaign later proposed – Oct. 12, 13 and 14 – fall after early voting begins on Oct. 6, which he called “a way to avoid a debate altogether.” He also listed several past forums the Haaland campaign has declined, including events hosted by the New Mexico Municipal League and the New Mexico Association of Counties.

Haaland’s campaign offers a joint statewide broadcast

Deb Haaland’s campaign responded by proposing a joint, statewide broadcast that would include KOB, KRQE, KOAT, KKOB and KVIA. Haaland cited an offer from the Albuquerque Journal to host a debate in its auditorium and suggested Oct. 12, 13 or 14 as possible dates. She emphasized her record of traveling to each county and meeting voters in person, and said a joint broadcast would give the “widest possible audience of New Mexico voters” a chance to hear both candidates.

Both candidates pledge to keep meeting voters

In the absence of a televised forum, Haaland’s team said the candidate will continue traveling the state, meeting voters where they are and remaining available for media interviews. Hull’s statement reiterated his willingness to debate “anywhere, anytime” and framed the upcoming Oct. 8 appearance on KOB as the appropriate venue for a joint broadcast.

Early voting context

Early voting in New Mexico opens on Oct. 6, meaning many voters will cast ballots before any debate could take place if it were scheduled for later in the month. Both campaigns acknowledge the importance of voters hearing directly from each candidate on issues such as education, taxes and public safety.

The debate dispute highlights the competitive nature of the 2026 governor’s race and underscores the need for clear communication with voters as the election approaches.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.