Here's How to Watch Tonight's Texas Governor Debate

Tonight, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democrat Beto O'Rourke go head-to-head for their first, and likely only, in-person debate in the Texas governor's race. With Abbott’s far right Trumplican agenda and Beto’s position on gun safety and opening the border, this one will be a strong example of where Texans and perhaps the country is leaning as we approach the midterms.

With less than six weeks to go before Election Day, Abbott holds a 7-point lead over O'Rourke in the latest poll by Quinnipiac University. 

Early voting runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4, and Election Day is Nov. 8.

If you, or anyone you know, needs to register to vote or find your voting location, go to vote.org.

How to Watch Tonight’s Beto vs Abbott Debate

Nexstar stations throughout Texas will be broadcasting the event and we'll have a livestream on the @DirtyModerate Twitter page. Click here to watch.

What to Know About the Debate

According to a recent poll from The Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler, Abbott leads O’Rourke 47% to 38%.

Abbott is heavily outspending O’Rourke in the television ad war for Texas governor, showcasing the impact the Republican incumbent’s stout campaign fund is having on what could be a close race.

Abortion, gun control, inflation, immigration, and border security are among the topics O’Rourke and Abbott have been pounding on the campaign trail and in TV commercials.

Britt Moreno of KXAN-TV in Austin will moderate. Panelists include Gromer Jeffers Jr., political writer for the Dallas Morning News, Sally Hernandez of KXAN, and Steve Spriester of KSAT-TV in San Antonio.

What O’Rourke Needs to Do:

• Label Abbott as too extreme, in the mode of Trump Republicans

• Be aggressive and fire back when cast as too liberal for Texas

• Develop a unifying message around a set of key issues

What Abbott Needs to Do:

• Outline his vision for a third term

• Bolster his standing with Independents and moderate Republicans

• Tout his executive experience

You can watch every second of tonight’s debate on the @DirtyModerate Twitter page.