Spectrum News has been selected by the New York State Public Campaign Finance Board (the Board) to host General Election debates for three statewide offices this fall: the races for governor, attorney general and comptroller. These three debates will be broadcast statewide on NY1 and Spectrum News, providing voters across New York with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking statewide office ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Eligibility for candidates to appear in the debates has been established by the Board and is currently pending certification. The Board has established that to participate, candidates must be on the ballot and raise and spend at least 5% of the public funding limit for their sought office, or $175,000, before the last financial filing deadline before the debate. Eligible candidates who are enrolled in the public finance system are required to attend. Candidates not participating in the public finance system are eligible to participate if they meet the other ballot and spending requirements set by the Board. If fewer than two candidates meet the Board requirements, the eligibility criteria for the debates may be reevaluated.