Dallas is getting a front-row seat to one of the biggest political showdowns of the primary season, as four Republican candidates for Texas attorney general meet Tuesday night for their only joint debate before the March 3 primary. On stage at the historic Granada Theater, Joan Huffman, Mayes Middleton, Aaron Reitz and Rep. Chip Roy will share 90 focused minutes to convince Republicans they are ready to run the state’s top legal office, just as early voting gets underway.
According to the Republican Attorneys General Association, the debate begins at 7 p.m. Central and will be moderated by Texas native Allie Beth Stuckey. RAGA says the event, produced in partnership with Blaze Media, is open to the public at the Granada and is the only forum before the primary that will feature all four announced Republican contenders on the same stage.
How to watch
As reported by KVUE, the 90-minute Republican primary debate will stream live on KVUE+. For Texans who are not heading to the Granada in person, local coverage notes the forum will be available online statewide, so viewers can follow along from home. Voters are advised to check the broadcaster’s platform for access details and any requirements to watch the KVUE+ stream.
The stakes are higher than a typical down-ballot debate. Current Attorney General Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate instead of seeking another term, creating an open seat for the first time in more than a decade. The Office of the Attorney General notes that Paxton was sworn in on January 5, 2015 and has since led the office through multiple high-profile lawsuits and controversies. The Texas Tribune has reported that Paxton’s decision to pursue a Senate seat helped spur the crowded Republican field, and the debate is being watched as a key test for candidates looking to succeed a figure who has dominated the office for more than a decade.
Why this debate matters
Early voting for the March 3 primary begins Tuesday, the first day of the state’s early voting period, so plenty of Texans can cast ballots while the candidates’ debate performances are still fresh in their minds. Per the Texas Secretary of State, Feb. 17 marks the start of in-person early voting for the statewide primary. The Republican Attorneys General Association says the Granada forum offers voters, including those tuning in on KVUE+, a rare side-by-side look at all four contenders ahead of Super Tuesday.
Organizers say a replay of the broadcast will be posted after the live event for anyone who misses the debate, and press inquiries are being routed through the event’s media contacts. See KVUE and local coverage for additional viewing details and context.
