Cardinal News, the Appalachian School of Law, and PBS Appalachia have joined together to sponsor a gubernatorial debate in Southwest Virginia in fall 2025.
The partners seek to provide a platform for a substantive and impactful discussion and to foster the exchange of ideas that strengthen democracy and uplift the Appalachian region.
Republican and Democratic parties’ nominees will be invited to discuss issues affecting the commonwealth, particularly those affecting rural Virginians. The debate will be held in the new PBS Appalachia studio in Bristol.
“At the Appalachian School of Law, we are honored to once again play a key role in facilitating a critical conversation about the future of Virginia,” said D.J. Western, dean of the law school. “Hosting this debate reflects our commitment to the Appalachian region and underscores the importance of bringing rural and underserved voices to the forefront of state governance. By convening this debate in Southwest Virginia, we ensure that the challenges and opportunities unique to our region are part of the statewide dialogue, encouraging candidates to address the needs of all Virginians, especially those in rural communities.”
This would be the fourth gubernatorial election in a row where a General Election debate has been held in the western part of the state. Virginia Tech in 2013 hosted the debate, followed by the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2017 and the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy in 2021.
“Cardinal News takes seriously our responsibility to help voters obtain the information they need to make informed choices. We also believe it’s important that candidates who wish to govern Virginia understand the issues of our sometimes forgotten region,” said Luanne Rife, executive director. “We look forward to the nominees accepting our invitation.”
The debate will afford the opportunity to showcase Southwestern Virginia and PBS Appalachia’s new studio.
“PBS Appalachia is proud to host this important debate in our new studio, built to serve our region,” said Julie Newman, general manager. “Our mission is to amplify the voice of Southwest Virginia, and that voice needs to be heard by leaders of the Commonwealth.”
More details about the debate will be released once the parties select their nominees. 
