Indiana will have 1st virtual gubernatorial debate in history Tuesday

The Indiana Debate Commission has announced that the first of two gubernatorial debates before the Nov. 3 election will be a virtual event.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, Democratic candidate Dr. Woody Myers and Libertarian Donald Rainwater will take place in the state's first virtual debate at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at WFYI-TV's studio. 

According to a news release, candidates will still participate in-person at the WFYI studios in Indianapolis. However, they will be in separate spaces from each other and the moderator during the one-hour livestreamed event.

There will be no live audience, and the commission has advised campaigns that it cannot mandate COVID-19 testing of the candidates.

That decision remains solely with individual candidates and their campaigns, according to the news release.

WFYI production staff will be limited to necessary personnel, and everyone on-site is expected to wear a mask except candidates and the moderator during the broadcast. 

Officials said it is likely the second debate, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 27, will follow a similar virtual format.

The debate will be live on the commission’s website at indianadebatecommission.com/live-debate-feed/.

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.