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Debates Hosted by Jacksonville University

The Institute, in partnership with News4Jax, has hosted 12 televised debates on the Jacksonville University campus since 2015. The debates, in local, state, and federal elections, have been moderated by News4Jax anchor Kent Justice and attended by MPP students, faculty, elected officials, business and civic leaders, campaign supporters, and the community.

 

Spring 2023

Jacksonville Mayoral Debate March 8, 2023

The Jacksonville Mayoral Debate, televised live on March 8, 2023 with WJXT Channel 4 and Public Policy Institute co-hosting at the Terry Concert Hall, Jacksonville University. Participants in the debate included Dr. Omega Allen, the Honorable LeAnna G. Cumber, Daniel Davis, Donna Deegan, the Honorable Al Ferraro, the Honorable Audrey Gibson, and Frank Keasler, Jr. The debate can be found here.

 

Fall 2022

Jacksonville Sheriff's Debate August 10, 2022

This debate took place on August 10, 2022, in the Terry Concert Hall at Jacksonville University, and aired live on WJXT Channel 4 at 8 p.m. The debate was moderated by News4JAX anchor and host of This Week in Jacksonville Kent Justice. The five candidates contending for Sheriff of Jacksonville. Lakesha Burton, Wayne Clark, Dr. Tony Cummings, Ken Jefferson, and T.K. Waters all participated in the debate. The debate can be found here.

Spring 2019

The Jacksonville Mayoral Debate, televised live on March 6, 2019 by WJXT Channel 4, WJCT, First Coast News, and Action News, was the only televised debate in the 2019 Jacksonville Mayor’s race that included all major candidates. Participants in the debate included Dr. Omega Allen, City Council member Anna Brosche, former Atlantic Beach City Commissioner Jimmy Hill, and Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. This debate can be found here.

Fall 2018

From August 8-9, 2018, the Public Policy Institute partnered with WJXT Channel 4 to host a gubernatorial primary debate and town hall forum in the Terry Concert Hall at 8:00 p.m. nightly.

Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate August 8 

This debate took place on August 8, 2018, in the Terry Concert Hall at Jacksonville University, and aired live on WJXT Channel 4 at 8 p.m. Candidates were Florida Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam, and Congressman Ron DeSantis. It was the final Republican primary debate, and was moderated by WJXT anchor Kent Justice. The full hour-long debate was also streamed live on News4Jax.com and can be found here

Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Town Hall Forum August 9

This town hall forum took place on August 9, 2018,  in the Terry Concert Hall at Jacksonville University, and aired on WJXT Channel 4 at 8 p.m. Candidates were Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, former U.S. Representative Gwen Graham, businessmen Jeff Greene and Chris King, and former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. It was moderated by WJXT anchor Kent Justice. The full hour-long town hall forum also streamed live on News4Jax.com and can be found here.

 

Fall 2016

From August 16-18, 2016, the Public Policy Institute partnered with WJXT Channel 4 to host candidate debates in Swisher Theater at 8:00 p.m. nightly.

​State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit Of Florida August 16

This debate aired on Sunday August 28 at 5 p.m. Candidates included The Honorable Angela Corey (incumbent), Melissa Nelson, and Wes White.​ Watch the debate online, or take a look at the Post-Debate Coverage.

​U.S. Representative, Fourth Congressional District Of Florida August 17

Televised live from the Jacksonvill​e University campus, candidates included The Honorable Bill McClure, The Honorable Lake Ray, John Rutherford, and Hans Tanzler. Click here to watch the debate online.

​U.S. Representative, Fifth Congressional District Of Florida August 18

Televised live from the Jacksonville University campus, candidates included The Honorable Corrine Brown (incumbent), LaShonda "L.J." Holloway, and The Honorable Al Lawson, Jr.​ Click here to watch the debate online.

Spring 2015

In the spring of 2015, the Public Policy Institute partnered with WJXT Channel 4 to host televised debates in the Mayoral and Sheriffs elections. Held in the Jacksonville University Terry Concert Hall, the debates were attended by students, faculty, and leadership ​along with local elected officials and campaign supporters.