Four Capital Region news outlets, including NewsChannel 13, will host three October debates for candidates in New York’s 19th, 20th and 21st congressional districts. The Upstate Debate Consortium includes the Times Union, WAMC Northeast Public Radio, WMHT Public Media and NewsChannel 13. The group plans hour-long debates at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, Thursday, Oct. 15 and Thursday, Oct. 22. To take part, candidates must be legally qualified and listed on the 2026 general election ballot, according to the press release. Invitations have been sent to qualifying candidates in the three races, according to the press release.