The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), in partnership with WTNH News 8, will host the 2026 Connecticut Gubernatorial Debate at its annual convention on Oct. 27. It will be aired live on WTNH during CCM’s Annual Convention at Mohegan Sun.
The forum will offer candidates one final opportunity to outline their vision for Connecticut’s future and to address the challenges confronting families, employers, and communities across our state.
“The next governor will step into office at a pivotal moment for Connecticut’s cities and towns,” said Joe DeLong, executive director and CEO of CCM. “Our communities are on the front lines of the affordability crisis. Property taxpayers are carrying too much of the load, and towns are being asked to do more with less. The audience of local leaders will want to hear plans for adequately funding and modernizing public education, delivering meaningful property tax relief, and addressing cost drivers like mandates and pension cost shifts that strain local budgets.”
Speaking of debates, Republican gubernatorial candidate Sen. Ryan Fazio of Greenwich is calling on the Connecticut Republican Party to organize a series of five gubernatorial debates ahead of the State Convention, similar to the successful format used during the competitive 2018 process.
In a letter to state Republican Chair Benjamin Proto, Fazio laid out his reasoning for the debates.
“We have a great opportunity to build on that model this cycle,” Fazio wrote alluding to the 2018 debate series. “Holding a series of debates across each congressional district would ensure that delegates and voters have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, understand where we stand on the issues that matter most, and make an informed decision at the convention.
“Quite simply, if a candidate cannot handle questions from Republicans or debate with fellow Republicans, they will have no chance of taking on Ned Lamont and the Democrats in November.”
Connecticut faces a convergence of challenges that are testing the resilience of its residents, businesses, and students alike, according to CCM. Families continue to grapple with rising housing, energy, healthcare, and everyday living costs that strain household budgets and intensify concerns about long-term affordability. This debate will focus on the following statewide issues:
Affordability and Cost of Living: Strategies to address rising household costs, wage growth, tax burdens, and economic competitiveness.
Education and Workforce Development: Ensuring high-quality public education, strengthening workforce pipelines, and aligning funding systems – including Education Cost Sharing (ECS) – with student needs and economic realities.
Housing and Economic Growth: Expanding housing opportunities, supporting job creation, and balancing statewide priorities with community needs.
State and Local Fiscal Stability: Promoting responsible budgeting, long-term pension stability, and sustainable funding structures.
Infrastructure and Climate Resilience: Investing in transportation, flood mitigation, energy reliability, and climate adaptation in order to protect residents and support growth.
Public Safety and Health & Care: Strengthening support systems, enhancing resources and investing in patient care to meet rising demands while also ensuring systems accountability and effectiveness.
“News 8 is proud to partner with The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities to bring the people of Connecticut this key gubernatorial debate just one week before Election Day,” said Rich Graziano, vice president and general manager of WTNH/WCTX. “We will provide comprehensive coverage on all platforms so that viewers will be able to watch the debate the way they want. The voters in our great state can trust News 8 as their local election headquarters.”
Additional details, including debate format and participant information, will be announced in the coming months.
