Arizona Clean Elections Commission reveals 2026 debate moderators, schedule

PHOENIX — The Arizona Clean Elections Commission has released its 2026 debate schedule ahead of the July 21 primary election.

The Arizona Clean Elections Commission, which is nonpartisan, hosts debates each election season to help inform voters about the candidates and the issues.

It has also announced the journalists who will moderate various debates in the 2026 elections.

This year’s election is especially significant because voters will choose candidates for several key statewide offices, including governor, attorney general and superintendent of public instruction. Those results could influence Arizona policy and leadership for years to come.

Debates for statewide and federal offices will begin at the end of May. A full list of debate dates and times is available on the commission’s website.

Where to watch the debates for Arizona’s 2026 election races

All debates will be streamed live on YouTube through a partnership with the Arizona Media Association.

As part of that partnership, debates will be produced at SNEAKY BIG Studios in Scottsdale and shared with local television, radio, print and digital news outlets across Arizona.

Major debates will be simulcast statewide, while local debates will be distributed regionally. Every debate will also be available digitally.

Live television broadcasts will include Spanish audio translation, American Sign Language interpretation and closed captioning to make the debates more accessible to viewers.

Each debate will be moderated by one or two experienced journalists selected for the 2026 Clean Elections debate roster.

Who will moderate the 2026 candidates as they debate each other?

The AMA has enlisted accomplished journalists with strong Arizona ties to moderate the debates. Some of the moderators on the roster include Steve Goldstein, an award-winning public radio host and reporter with 25 years of experience in Phoenix. (Sometimes, he fills in for The Mike Broomhead Show!)

Danielle Lerner, who grew up in metro Phoenix and spent more than a decade working as a local news anchor and reporter in Arizona, is also moderating.

Olivia Fierro, who spent nearly two decades with Arizona’s Family, is also moderating.

Another big name on the lineup is Kathleen Blade, a 14-time Emmy Award-winning journalist. She has over 30 years of experience in multiple markets, including Phoenix.

Tregg White, president and CEO of the Arizona Media Association, said each moderator plays an important role in informing the American people.

“Debate moderators are in effect the voice of the electorate and we believe the journalists that we have assembled are absolutely up for this important task,” White said in a Wednesday announcement.

“We trust in their ability to be impartial while cutting through standard talking points with follow up questions that ensure the exchange remains focused on the issues that impact our residents’ daily lives.”

How to get involved

Got a burning question you want one of the candidates to answer?

Get involved in debates by submitting questions by emailing  debates@azcleanelections.gov or calling 602-364-3477. Just make sure to clarify which office or candidate you’re addressing.

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