The Republican nominee for governor, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has formally accepted CNN's invitation to their Virginia governor's race debate.
Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee, who holds a strong lead in polling, has declined, according to CNN.
Watch more: Virginia governor's race candidates share stances on public safety, labor unions
CNN says this debate, if held, would be in a town hall format, meaning the candidates are expected to answer questions directly asked by Virginia voters.
No formal date had been set for this meeting between the two candidates.
Spanberger and her Democratic associates are currently leading across the statewide ticket, according to a poll recently conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University.
Spanberger did previously accept an invitation to Virginia AARP's "People's Debate," which was slated to be held at Virginia State University. However, Earle-Sears declined to attend, citing a scheduling conflict on Sept. 16.
