Commission on Presidential Debates Cancels Presidential Debates : Statement from Texas State University

This afternoon, Texas State University (TXST) was informed by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) that it is canceling all their planned 2024 debates, including the event scheduled for September 16 on the San Marcos Campus.   

Once the presumptive presidential candidates announced an alternative plan for debates several weeks ago, TXST immediately paused planning and expenditures related to work on the debate to be good stewards of public funds and resources.  

“While receiving this official news is disappointing, we understand the CPD’s position,” said TXST President Kelly Damphousse. “As the only Texas university to have graduated a U.S. president, we were excited to host the first-ever presidential debate in our great state. We are also proud to be the only Hispanic Serving Institution chosen to host a presidential debate. In the words of our alumnus President Lyndon B. Johnson, ‘Let no one ever think for a moment that national debate means national division.’ We remain steadfast in supporting our students and the entire university community as they continue to learn about democracy, to engage in civil discourse, and to participate in the electoral process throughout the upcoming election cycle.”  

Read President Damphousse's email to campus regarding the cancellation.