RICHMOND, Va. - News 3 is giving you a chance to hear directly from the democrats who want to be Virginia's next governor.
The five candidates seeking the democratic party nomination will debate on the campus of Virginia State University. The candidates include Lee Carter, Jennifer Carroll Foy, Justin Fairfax, Terry McAuliffe and Jennifer McClellan.
It will be moderated by CBS 6’s Bill Fitzgerald and Barbara Ciara will be a panelist.
‘The Democratic Debate for Governor’ will air live on Tuesday, April 6 from 7-8 p.m., on News 3 and will be streamed in this story and on the News 3 Facebook page.
"I do see this as an opportunity to set themselves apart and possibly take the gloves off on some very sticky issues," said News 3 political analyst Dr. Eric Claville from Norfolk State University.
All of the candidates have experience in Richmond and will try to leverage that to get to the Executive Mansion. Jennifer McClellan is a state Senator. Lee Carter is a Delegate. Jennifer Carroll Foy is a former Delegate. Justin Fairfax is the Lieutenant Governor. Terry McAuliffe is a former Governor.
"This debate will give voters in the Commonwealth an opportunity to ask if they want to go back to 2013 when Terry McAuliffe was [elected] governor and continue what he started or start a new with a more progressive [candidate]," said Claville.
Meanwhile, seven Republicans are running. They will hold an unassembled nominating convention next month.
Democrats will hold a primary in June, but early voting begins on April 24. "Ultimately, this is an opportunity for each candidate to show that they are executive office material," said Claville.