The Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute and WJXT Channel 4 announced they are co-hosting a live, televised debate in the Jacksonville mayoral race on March 8 at Jacksonville University.
All seven mayoral candidates – Dr. Omega Allen, the Honorable LeAnna G. Cumber, Daniel Davis, Donna Deegan, the Honorable Al Ferraro, the Honorable Audrey Gibson, and Frank Keasler, Jr. – have confirmed they will participate in the debate. It will be televised live by WJXT and moderated by Kent Justice, WJXT anchor, and political journalist.
“This election is consequential, and the winner of this race will have a leading role in shaping the future of Jacksonville and North Florida,” said Rick Mullaney, Shircliff Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute. “It is important to provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from each candidate about the issues important to them and how the candidates plan to address those issues.”
The hourlong debate will take place in the Terry Concert Hall at Jacksonville University at 2800 University Blvd. N. Credentialed members of the media are invited to attend the debate and briefly interview all candidates immediately following the event. Still photography, without a flash, will be permitted during the event. However, video and flash photography are strictly prohibited during the debate.
Since 2015, the Institute and WJXT have co-hosted 11 televised debates in local, state, and federal elections, as well as a Congressional debate in WJXT’s broadcast studio. All 12 debates were moderated by Kent Justice. The Institute and WJXT also hosted a televised town hall on gun violence and a televised mayoral forum commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Jacksonville’s consolidation. Kent Justice served as moderator for those events, as well.
