Abrams, Kemp set to meet in Georgia governor's debate tonight

October 23, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. | Updated October 23, 2018 at 10:52 a.m.

by Associated Press

This combination of May 20, 2018, photos shows Georgia gubernatorial candidates Stacey Abrams, left, and Brian Kemp in Atlanta. With the Georgia governor’s race now set, the contest between Kemp and Abrams becomes a question of which candidate can move beyond their partisan bases to capture the electoral middle in this emerging battleground state. (AP Photos/John Amis, File)
This combination of May 20, 2018, photos shows Georgia gubernatorial candidates Stacey Abrams, left, and Brian Kemp in Atlanta. With the Georgia governor’s race now set, the contest between Kemp and Abrams becomes a question of which candidate can move beyond their partisan bases to capture the electoral middle in this emerging battleground state. (AP Photos/John Amis, File)

ATLANTA (AP) -- The candidates in a neck-and-neck battle for Georgia governor are set to meet in their first debate Tuesday evening in Atlanta.

Republican Brian Kemp, Georgia's secretary of state, faces Democratic former state House minority leader Stacey Abrams. Libertarian candidate Ted Metz also is participating.

Abrams is vying to be the first black female governor of any state. Kemp is trying to maintain the governor's mansion for Republicans.

The race is being watched nationally as a barometer for the Democrats' success in the Nov. 6 elections.

Kemp has portrayed Abrams as "too extreme for Georgia" and rails against funding she gets "California and New York."

Abrams has painted Kemp as an incompetent chief elections officer who has been intent on suppressing minority voters.

Upcoming Events