The Virginia Bar Association has canceled the gubernatorial debate it planned to host July 19. Neither candidate for governor accepted the VBA invitation by a June 9 deadline.

On April 28, the VBA announced that it had invited the two candidates, former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, to a debate during the VBA Summer Meeting in Hot Springs.

The VBA hosted debates for statewide races for governor and for U.S. senator from 1985-2020.

“For years, the nonpartisan VBA informed its members and the public on candidates’ views through debates that were the first of the campaign season,” said VBA President Kimberlee Harris Ramsey. “We regret that we will be unable to continue this tradition, but we cannot hold debates that encourage participation in the election process when the candidates decline to take part.”

Ramsey noted that the 2025 general election will determine Virginia’s first female governor and, if Earle-Sears is elected, the nation’s first Black female governor.

In the debate time slot, the VBA instead will offer meeting attendees legal education opportunities on conflict resolution and pro bono service.