The Great Debate 26’ Returns to Rainier Arts Center for an Afternoon of Community-Moderated Political

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PRESS RELEASE

SEATTLE, WA — September 25, 2026 — One week from today, The Great Debate 26’ will bring candidates, ballot initiatives and voters together for an afternoon of live political debate and community conversation at the Rainier Arts Center in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood.

The event takes place Saturday, October 3, 2026, with doors opening at 11 a.m. and debates beginning at noon. Admission is free, but registration is required. The event is open to ages 21 and older.

Unlike a traditional candidate forum, The Great Debate places community members in the moderator’s chair, giving people who live, work and serve in the region an opportunity to ask questions directly to candidates and representatives on stage.

“This isn’t a campaign rally, and it isn’t a series of speeches,” said Julius Caesar Robinson, producer of The Great Debate 26’. “The goal is to put candidates, issues and voters in the same room and give the community a direct role in the conversation.”

A Day of Debate, Music and Civic Engagement

Retired Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best will serve as master of ceremonies, guiding the audience through the afternoon.

Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth will welcome attendees, and Seattle musician Michael Powers will open the event with live music.

The debate schedule includes:

12:00–1:00 p.m.

11th Legislative District — House Position 1

David Hackney vs. Ashley Feden

1:15–2:15 p.m.

37th Legislative District — House Position 1

Featuring Sharon Tomiko Santos

Special Candidate Roll Call

Candidates appearing on the November ballot will each have two minutes to introduce themselves directly to the audience.

2:30–3:30 p.m.

King County Council District 2

Toshiko Hasegawa vs. Rebecca Saldaña

3:45–4:45 p.m. — Special Feature

Washington Ballot Initiative Debate

Two initiatives. Opposing perspectives. Direct debate.

IL26-001 — Parental Rights
IL26-638 — K–12 Athletics

Returning to Where It Began

The Great Debate traces its roots to South Seattle, where the event began in 2013 as Oct-Voter-Fest before eventually becoming The Great Debate.

This year’s event returns to the Rainier Arts Center, bringing the debate back to the community where it originated.

There will be no livestream. Organizers say the decision reflects the event’s emphasis on face-to-face civic engagement and creating an opportunity for voters and candidates to share the same physical space.

Organizers are encouraging those already registered to invite friends, family members, coworkers and neighbors—particularly people who may not routinely participate in political events.

Event Details

THE GREAT DEBATE 26’

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Rainier Arts Center

3515 S Alaska St.

Seattle, WA 98118

Doors: 11:00 a.m.

Debates: 12:00–4:45 p.m.

Admission: FREE

Ages: 21+

Registration is required for all attendees.

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