Nebraska voters will have the opportunity to hear directly from candidates in this year’s U.S. Senate race during a statewide debate at the Nebraska State Fair.
Incumbent Sen. Pete Ricketts and independent candidate Dan Osborn are scheduled to debate Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the BigIron Events Center on the fairgrounds in Grand Island.
The debate, organized by News Channel Nebraska in partnership with the Nebraska State Fair and three Nebraska news organizations, will feature opening and closing statements from each candidate, along with questions from a panel of Nebraska journalists.
The panel will include:
- Andrew Wegley of Flatwater Free Press
- Juan Salinas II of the Nebraska Examiner
- Casey Wonnenberg of News Channel Nebraska
- Aaron Sanderford of the Omaha World-Herald
News Channel Nebraska evening anchor Dave Griek will moderate the debate and enforce rules agreed upon by the campaigns. Additional details about the format are expected to be released before the event.
The debate is free to attend with paid admission to the Nebraska State Fair. The fair will offer a $2.50 admission special on Sept. 1.
Seating is limited to 200 members of the public, and advance registration will be required. Organizers said admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis among those who register, though registration does not guarantee entry if capacity is reached.
“Though not in recent years, elected official debates were once a major component of the Nebraska State Fair and this is something we are looking forward to in an even more patriotic-than-normal year,” Nebraska State Fair Marketing Director Courtney Glock said. “The opportunity for our partner, News Channel Nebraska, to bring candidates back to the stage to help reach and inform Nebraskans about what they will be voting on in November feels in-line with our mission of educating and empowering Nebraskans to take ownership of the state.”
Organizers said they have received participation commitments from both the Ricketts and Osborn campaigns. Additional candidates may be invited if they meet established eligibility requirements before the debate, although no other candidates currently qualify.
To maintain a fair and orderly event, audience members will not be allowed to bring signs into the venue or applaud, boo, cheer, whistle or otherwise demonstrate support for or opposition to the candidates. Those who disrupt the debate will be asked to leave.
The debate will be broadcast live statewide on News Channel Nebraska’s television and radio platforms and streamed online through the NCN website, app and social media channels. Registration information and additional event details will be announced in the coming weeks.