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CNN to Host Two Florida Debates, O’Rourke Town Hall Down Election Home Stretch

Florida Sen. Nelson will debate Gov. Rick Scott next Tuesday, Oct. 16

Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke speaks during his campaign rally at the Gaslight Baker Theatre in Lockhart, TX on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke speaks during his campaign rally at the Gaslight Baker Theatre in Lockhart, TX on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

CNN will host two Florida debates and a town hall for Texas Democratic Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke as campaigns across the country round onto the home stretch before the Nov. 6 midterm elections.

The network announced the live events Tuesday.

Florida incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson will face GOP Gov. Rick Scott next Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 10 p.m. EST in a debate hosted by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, live from a studio at WEDU in Tampa.

Nelson is seeking a fourth term in a Sunshine State Senate race Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates a Tossup.

CNN will also broadcast a debate for Florida’s governor race on Sunday, October 21, between (now-former) GOP Rep. Ron DeSantis and his Democratic opponent, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. CNN host and Roll Call alum Jake Tapper will moderate the debate from WEDU.

Rep. Beto O’Rourke of Texas, the Democrat challenging Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, will answer questions from constituents at a town hall event hosted by CNN’s Dana Bash next Thursday, October 18, at 10 p.m. EST.

Cruz backed out of a planned debate over Columbus Day weekend, multiple outlets reported.

Inside Elections rates the Texas Senate race Likely Republican and the Florida governor race Tilts Democratic.

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