Leveraging a highly transparent and inclusive process, every 2026 debate has been planned as a collaboration that includes the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, SNEAKY BIG STUDIOS and RIESTER in addition to the Arizona Media Association coalition of nearly 400 local radio, TV, print and digital partners. The debate structure and moderator selection process has been built in partnership with leaders from media operations around Arizona.
Most debates follow a traditional 56-minute format with candidates standing at lecterns. Candidates have one minute for opening and closing statements. After opening statements, questions are posed to each candidate by the moderators. Only the candidate who was asked the question will have their microphone open during their answer, but all mics are open at other times to allow for rebuttals/interaction.
The Arizona Media Association is providing these debates to every local media brand. There is no exclusivity and no cost for media to participate. These debates are a public service and our distribution plan is to connect political candidates directly with Arizona voters. For local media brands not already participating in the debates, email media@azmedia.org to get involved.
