Castor to Participate in Two Tampa Election Debates
The congressional candidates have scheduled appearances for October 2 and October 16.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Elections
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Should political candidates be required to participate in televised debates during election campaigns?
Representative Kathy Castor has committed to two election debates against Republican nominee Mike Beltran in Florida's 14th Congressional District. The events include a live radio broadcast and an in-person candidate forum in Tampa.
Why it matters
These scheduled appearances provide voters in the 14th District with direct opportunities to hear the candidates discuss their platforms ahead of the upcoming election. The sessions remain the only confirmed debates despite requests from Beltran for additional televised forums.
Kathy Castor has committed to two official events in Florida's 14th Congressional District. While the current schedule includes two forums, the inclusion of a televised debate remains unresolved.
The players
Kathy Castor
She is the incumbent U.S. Representative currently serving Florida's 14th Congressional District.
Mike Beltran
He is the Republican nominee running for the U.S. House seat in Florida's 14th Congressional District.
The details
The candidates will face off on the radio and at a public forum to outline their positions for local residents. Mike Beltran, who secured the Republican nomination for the district, has advocated for a broader debate schedule that includes televised coverage.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: A live radio debate will air on WMNF at 11AM.
October 16, 2026: An in-person candidate forum will occur at the Cuban Club at 12PM.
Political Context
Opposition leaders and party advocates often push for expanded debate schedules to increase candidate visibility. This push for a televised event reflects a common strategy used by campaigns to challenge the incumbent's preferred debate format.
These forums provide taxpayers with the ability to vet the candidates' policy proposals in a public setting. Residents of the 14th District can use these events to evaluate the legislative priorities of both Kathy Castor and Mike Beltran before casting their ballots.
The takeaway
Voters should mark their calendars for these sessions to better understand the distinct policy differences between the candidates. Tracking these appearances is the most effective way for local residents to stay informed on the district's competitive congressional race.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming race, visit the Elections section.
Live Poll
Should political candidates be required to participate in televised debates during election campaigns?
