Clear your calendar now for this Hot Springs event.
SumMtg Campaign final
Ninth gubernatorial debate
127th VBA Summer Meeting
Watch the debate in person - or on the internet

At 11 a.m. July 22, during the Summer Meeting, live and internet audiences will witness the first debate among 2017 major party candidates for Virginia's highest office.

2017 Candidate for governor
Northam
2017 Candidate for governor
Gillespie
Republican Edward W. "Ed" Gillespie and Democrat Ralph S. Northam will appear in the first face-to-face debate of the campaign season. The 2017 debate will be the ninth consecutive governor's race to be featured at a VBA Summer Meeting.

Northam, the lieutenant governor of Virginia, is a pediatric neurologist, Army veteran, VMI graduate and Eastern Shore native.

Gillespie, a business owner, is former chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia and the Republican National Committee.

Both campaigns have agreed to a 90-minute debate that includes opening and closing statements, candidate-to-candidate interaction and equal time to answer questions from moderator Judy Woodruff, anchor and managing editor of "PBS NewsHour."

As always, the VBA debate is free and open to the public. Guests who are not affiliated with VBA Summer Meeting registrants must sign up to attend the debate and obtain a badge. They may do so at the VBA registration desk during the meeting. Name badges are required to gain entry to the debate hall. 

July 22, 2017  |  The Omni Homestead Resort
A bit about the debate

The VBA, a nonpartisan organization, is committed to serving the public and the legal profession. By sponsoring debates, the VBA seeks to educate the public about candidate views and to stimulate voter interest and participation in the election process. The VBA does not endorse, support or oppose political candidates.

To be invited to debate, candidates must meet requirements, including that at least 30 days before a scheduled debate they have demonstrated substantial voter interest and support, suggesting a reasonable chance of being elected.

VBA-sponsored gubernatorial debates have occurred since 1985; debates among candidates in each race for U.S. Senate from Virginia started in 1994.

News media coverage is encouraged. For the third consecutive debate, the "PBS NewsHour" team will again live stream the debate to reach audiences with internet-enabled devices anywhere in the world.  
Sponsor. Exhibit. Advertise.

Connect with legal professionals across Virginia through one or more opportunities at the Summer Meeting.

Sponsor    |    Exhibit    |    Advertise
The Virginia Bar Association
 Phone: 804-644-0041     |     Fax: 804-644-0052
[email protected]     |     www.vba.org