articleThe Brief A Virginia gubernatorial debate set for September has been canceled. The candidates are Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger and Republican nominee, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. Earle-Sears declined, citing scheduling conflicts, but accepted a separate debate invitation from CNN. Earlier this week, AARP Virginia canceled its People’s Debate, which was set for Sept. 16 at Virginia State University. Republican nominee, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, declined, citing scheduling conflicts.