Arizona Media Association, Statewide Local Media to Distribute 2026 Political Debates in Extension of Shared Debates Partnership
The Arizona Media Association is partnering with The Citizen’s Clean Elections Commission, Riester and SNEAKY BIG STUDIOS to produce and distribute political debates across Arizona during the 2026 election season.
All debates will be available in white-labeled format to Arizona local media brands across the state and across platforms, including TV, radio and digital streaming, at no cost – allowing for maximum distribution and access of debates for voters across Arizona. All debates will include a simulcast Spanish translation and ASL interpretation.
“Political debates are a cornerstone of creating civic engagement,” said Tregg White, President and CEO of the Arizona Media Association. “This collaboration ensures that voters across the state have access to professional, transparent, and high-quality debates as they prepare to head to the polls.”
This partnership may include debates for statewide races such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor (new in 2026), Secretary of State, Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Corporation Commission. Additionally, debates will be offered for all nine Arizona Congressional districts, as well as key ballot propositions.
The 2026 partnership will build off the success of the 32 historically accessible debates produced and distributed with this partnership in 2024 and 2025, while continuing to adapt to changing audience needs with the help of news leaders across the AMA’s nearly 400 member brands. Primary debates will take place in May and June 2026. General election debates will take place in September and October 2026.
Debates will be open to media attendance and post-debate press opportunities with available candidates.
Candidates who received 1% of the total ballots cast in the primary election for their desired office will be invited to participate in the in-studio general debate broadcast. Candidates who are unaffiliated or without a recognized political party designation that qualified for the general election ballot will also be invited.
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Please direct all questions to media@azmedia.org.