The College Republicans at Mississippi State University have scheduled a Republican primary debate at 6:30 p.m. April 2 in Starkville in conjunction with the MSU Department of Political Science and Public Administration.

The debate will be held in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium on the MSU campus.

Gubernatorial candidates Bill Waller Jr, former Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, and State Representative Robert Foster have agreed to participate in the debate, according to a news release from the College Repbulicans. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves declined to participate due to a scheduling conflict, according to the news release.

“We understand that Lt. Governor Reeves has a very busy schedule,” Adam Sabes, chairman of the College Republicans, said in a statement. “We have done everything in our power to schedule an event that he would be able to attend.”

Statewide primary elections are scheduled on Aug. 5. 

“We want to thank Justice Waller and Representative Foster, as well as their campaigns, for working with us to bring a well-needed discussion of issues and policy to our state,” Sabes said in a statement. “We hope that all of the candidates, including Lt. Governor Reeves, will seek to find opportunities to have serious conversations about improving our great state.”

For more information about the College Republicans at Mississippi State or about the debate, email the chapter executive board at msstatecr@gmail.com.