Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican Challenger Eddie Rispone will share the stage tonight for the first and only gubernatorial run-off debate.
University of Louisiana, Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross expects the candidates to take a much more aggressive posture than they did in the three primary gubernatorial debates.
"It was tougher before when there were two Republicans in the race and both were hoping to make the run-off, but now the field is clearer," says Cross.
A recent JMC Analytics poll shows Edwards at 48 percent and Rispone at 46 percent.
Rispone has been criticized for not providing details on policies his potential administration would pursue, but Cross says tonight could give voters a better idea.
"I think this debate may be a key into Rispone’s eventual administration," Cross says. "Should he win, in the sense that he may get pointed about what Edwards has done in the state."
Cross explains Edwards has already proved he can secure a near majority of the vote, so tonight there’s more pressure on Rispone to perform.
"He needs to introduce himself to more Louisiana voters," Cross states. "[Rispone] is a person who needs to convince Abraham’s voters to come over, and he needs to motivate those people who voted for him previously.
The debate kicks off at 7pm on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. You can also stream the debate live at lpb.org.