Decision 2026: Candidates for Governor to Debate on FOX and KTVZ+ Tonight at 7 pm
WATCH LIVE:
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As part of KTVZ News' debate series, The Central Oregon Debates, this week KTVZ News will broadcast KOBI-TV's Gubernatorial Debate LIVE on FOX and KTVZ+.
Viewers can tune in to the KOBI-TV's gubernatorial debate Wednesday at 7:00 pm on FOX or stream the event live via KTVZ.com, the KTVZ News App and KTVZ+.
KOBI-TV/NBC5 and Southern Oregon University Present an Oregon Gubernatorial Debate, Wednesday, October 7th at 7:00pm
MEDFORD, Ore. — In partnership with Southern Oregon University, KOBI-TV/NBC5 will host a live debate between Democratic Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Republican State Senator Christine Drazan on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The debate will originate from the studios of KOBI-TV/NBC5 in Medford and will air live on KOBI-TV/NBC5, KOTI-TV/NBC2, and stream live on KOBI5.com.
The one-hour debate will provide Oregon voters with an opportunity to hear the candidates discuss the issues facing the state ahead of the general election and Northern California voters will learn more about their neighboring state.
Moderating the debate will be Craig Smullin, KOBI-TV/NBC5 News Executive Producer and Salem Bureau Chief. The panelists will be: Joe Sullivan, KOBI-TV/NBC5 News Director; Patsy Smullin, President and Owner of KOBI-TV/NBC5 and KOTI-TV/NBC2; and Dr. Rick Bailey, President of Southern Oregon University.
“We are honored to bring viewers this historic debate—the only gubernatorial debate taking place in Southern Oregon,” said Bob Wise, Vice President and General Manager of KOBI-TV/NBC5 and KOTI-TV/NBC2. “Connecting voters directly with the candidates and the issues that will shape the future of our region is a cornerstone of our public service mission. For more than two decades, KOBI-TV/NBC5 and KOTI-TV/NBC2 have been among Oregon’s leaders in hosting televised gubernatorial and U.S. Senate debates, providing voters with direct access to the candidates and the issues that matter most. This debate continues that longstanding tradition of informing voters and strengthening our communities through meaningful civic engagement.”
“SOU is honored to partner with KOBI-TV NBC5 for this gubernatorial debate,” said Southern Oregon University President Dr. Rick Bailey. “We are grateful to both candidates and both campaigns for making Southern Oregon a key site in this important statewide conversation.”
The debate will be free to watch on-air and online. Viewers are encouraged to tune in live on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m., for this important statewide event.
For more information, contact Bob Wise at 541-779-5555 or at bwise@kobi5.com
