Indiana State Debate Commission Announces U.S. Senate Candidate Debate, Asks Voters to Submit Questions • Indiana Capital Chronicle

Two U.S. Senate candidates from Indiana will face off in a debate later this month, although a third candidate, Republican Rep. Jim Banks, is not expected to participate.

The Indiana State Debate Commission will host a U.S. Senate debate from 7-8 p.m. on October 29, one week before the November 5 general election.

Democrat Valerie McCray and Libertarian Andy Horning accepted their invitation to debate, IDC officials said. Along with Banks, the trio is vying to replace Republican Sen. Mike Braun, who is running for Indiana governor.

In August, representatives from the Banks campaign sent a statement to ICC that said, “Congressman Banks is focused on representing northeastern Indiana in Congress, spending time with his family, and leading a statewide campaign to become Indiana’s next conservative state senator. “He will be considering debate options as Election Day approaches.”

Voters are asked to submit pre-debate questions by October 17, according to an IDC press release. They can do this on the commission’s website, www.indianadebatecommission.comusing “Ask a question” link. at the top of the home page.

According to IDC, those whose questions are selected will also be given the opportunity to ask questions on a pre-recorded video that will be broadcast during the hour-long debate. However, candidates do not receive questions from the committee in advance.

The debate will be broadcast live on the Commission’s website. Local TV stations may additionally broadcast the program. IDC advises viewers should check local listings closer to debate night.

The moderator will be Commission member Laura Merrifield Wilson, professor of political science at the University of Indianapolis.

“The U.S. Senate race has received little statewide attention, leaving many voters eager to learn more about the candidates on their ballots and the positions they hold,” said Elizabeth Bennion, a political scientist and longtime debate organizer who agreed to chair Commission in June 2024 in a statement. “We look forward to hosting an informative discussion on issues important to Hoosier voters.”

IDC is additionally seeking questions from Hoosiers regarding the last gubernatorial debate of the election cyclescheduled for October 24.

The gubernatorial candidate is a three-way fight between Republican Mike Braun, Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater. All three agreed to take part in the debate, which will also be moderated by Merrifield Wilson.

Questions will be reviewed by IDC and accepted by October 11. Similar to the U.S. Senate debate, some Hoosiers may be asked to pre-record video questions. The gubernatorial candidates will debate for an hour and will not be able to review the questions beforehand.

This will be the second time all three will take the stage; Rainwater was not qualified for the first of the last two parallel debates.