More US Midterm Candidates Are Skipping Debates in the Age of Viral Media

Major party candidates in the 2026 election cycle are increasingly avoiding debates, with half of all Senate races and a third of gubernatorial races going without face-to-face showdowns. In previous years, skipping debates was rare, with past toss-up Senate races in 2020, 2018, and 2016 all holding debates. Strategic concerns are driving the shift, as political experts note that debates now carry high political risks and few rewards in the age of social media.

Reactions and Reasons

Democratic and Republican candidates alike are opting out, citing mudslinging, character attacks, and the threat of viral clips. In Ohio, Democratic candidate Amy Acton refused to debate GOP nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, calling him a chronic liar. In Arizona, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs declined to debate Republican opponent Representative Andy Biggs, arguing that direct contact with voters is more effective than political theater. Meanwhile, in races that did proceed with debates, such as in Michigan and Alaska, candidates clashed sharply, producing viral moments that quickly turned into attack ads.

Context

Modern political campaigns rely heavily on short, digital video clips that spread rapidly across social media platforms. Because a single misspoken word can instantly become a negative campaign ad, many campaigns now view the uncontrolled environment of a live debate as an unnecessary hazard.