ISTANBUL 

The two candidates in the high-stakes governor's race in the state of Virginia remain deadlocked over when and where they will face off, according to local media.

Virginia’s election this fall, coming one year since US President Donald Trump won a return ticket to the White House, and a so far tumultuous second term, is widely seen as a referendum on the popularity of Trump and his Republican Party.

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for governor, on Wednesday accepted CNN's invitation to a fall debate, calling it "an opportunity for voters to see the difference between a leader with a clear plan and a career politician who would rather talk around the issues," a campaign spokesperson told reporters.

But Democratic rival and former US Rep. Abigail Spanberger rejected the network's offer the next day, CNN reported, saying her campaign is prioritizing events hosted by in-state outlets.

"We believe that debates about Virginia's future should be rooted in Virginia, produced by Virginia media, and accessible to Virginians across the Commonwealth," said her campaign manager, noting ongoing talks with TV station WAVY and Norfolk State University, both based in southeastern Virginia.

The dispute comes in one of only two gubernatorial contests scheduled in the year after the presidential election, a race seen as an early political barometer ahead of the 2027 midterm congressional race.

Virginia, a longtime red (Republican) state, has leaned blue (Democratic) in recent years, but voted in a Republican governor, Glenn Younkin, in 2021. However, under state law he is limited to one term.

Spanberger so far is seen as leading the race to succeed him, according to political news outlet The Hill, with an average of 45.2% support, while Earle-Sears trails with around 36%.

According to The Hill’s Decision Desk, Earle-Sears has not led in a single poll this year, and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as “lean Democratic.”