NEW YORK – An agreement has finally been reached for a face-to-face debate between the candidates for the government of New York: the incumbent governor Kathy Hochul and the representative Lee Zeldin.
The two will meet Tuesday evening at 7pm in a forum at Pace University that will air Spectrum News. It will probably be his only debate before election day.
A showdown between Hochul and Zeldin was finally able to move on after the latter accepted the terms of the debate on Sunday, calling his opponent a “coward” for not accepting further meetings.
“I’ve tirelessly asked Hochul to accept a series of debates on broadcast and various media markets in New York to ensure that voters in every corner of this state can hear the issues that matter most to them,” Zeldin said.
“He’s trying to get away with a one-hour debate in late October, a month after the absentee ballot starts.”
Hochul’s campaign spokesman dismissed claims of avoiding any head-to-head competition, instead pointing the finger at his rival.
“After months on the run, we are delighted that Congressman Zeldin has finally agreed to join the debate on Tuesday. Governor Hochul is looking forward to highlighting his great record and exposing Lee’s dangerous lies. Zeldin, “said Jerrel Harvey.
Recent polls show that the race is tightening. A new poll last week showed Zeldin just four points behind Hochul, and a second poll indicated that his biggest lead was shrinking rapidly.
Tuesday’s hour-long debate will be moderated by Errol Louis and Susan Arbetter.
To see all about the mid-term elections in New York.
