Henderson, Sanders discuss issues, agree to Talk Business & Politics-KATV debate

The two Democratic candidates for Arkansas Governor – Jared Henderson and Leticia Sanders – have agreed to a debate on Wednesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in the studios of KATV. Talk Business & Politics and KATV will partner on the debate, the first between the two candidates in the 2018 campaign season.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face either incumbent GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson or his Republican challenger Jan Morgan and Libertarian Mark West in the November general election.

KATV’s lead anchor Chris May, Talk Business & Politics Roby Brock, and Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families Tamika Edwards will ask questions and moderate the debate. Edwards is a contributor to Talk Business & Politics.

“This match-up between two first-time candidates will offer Democratic voters a chance to evaluate their choices for governor,” Brock said. “As our soon-to-be-released polling indicates, there are a large number of undecided voters in this race.”

“KATV continues its leadership in covering local politics with yet another opportunity to showcase this year’s candidates for office,” KATV news director Nick Genty said. “Once again, the combined voice of the No. 1 television station in Arkansas along with the No. 1 political media outlet will give the voters the information they need to make to make an informed decision when they go to the polls for the May 22nd primary. It’s their voice and their future.”

The Democratic gubernatorial debate will broadcast live on KATV.com, KATV’s Facebook page, and through TalkBusiness.net and Talk Business & Politics’ Facebook page. Replays will also air. The debate will not be open to the general public due to limited seating. Other non-TV media will be allowed to attend as observers and for reporting purposes only, but must coordinate in advance.

For more information, contact Roby Brock at [email protected].

“I’m astonished that Jared Henderson was willing to debate! And excited to enlighten the people why, it’s imperative for me to become governor to create change in the Natural State,” Sanders said.

“It is so important that we have a debate where voters are able to make a clear and honest decision on who they want to be the Democratic nominee. I look forward to a substantive, respectful debate that talks about real issues for everyday Arkansans, like making Arkansas the best place to be a public school teacher, improving rural health care, making it easier to create small businesses, and ending the cycle of poverty. Thanks to Roby, KATV, and the Talk Business & Politics team for hosting,” Henderson said.

Henderson and Sanders both appeared in separate interviews on Talk Business & Politics on Sunday, May 6. You can see their full interviews in the videos below. Also, Talk Business & Politics and Hendrix College will release new polling on the Democratic Governor’s race on Monday, May 7.