Miami to Host First Democratic Presidential Primary Debate

The Democratic National Committee announced Thursday that Miami, Florida with be the host city for the first Democratic presidential primary debate.

The debate, which is being broadcast by NBC, MSNBC and Telemundo on back-to-back nights, is being held on June 26 and 27.

The debate lineups for each night will be determined at random to provide each candidate with a fair opportunity to make his or her case to a large, national audience, the committee said.

In announcing the host city, DNC Chair Tom Perez said Miami was chosen because it is a “vibrant and dynamic city that reflects the values and diversity of the Democratic Party.

“I couldn’t imagine a better setting for our first debate,” Perez continued. “Throughout every step of this process, we’ve focused on empowering the grassroots and ensuring that we hold the most transparent, inclusive, and fair primary in our party’s history. I’m thrilled that we’ll get the chance to showcase our terrific candidates to voters in Florida and across the nation.”

The debate will be broadcast live across all three networks with real-time Spanish translations on Telemundo.

It will also be streamed for free on NBC News’ digital properties, including NBCNews.com, MSNBC.com, NBC News Mobile App, and OTT apps in addition to Telemundo’s digital platforms.

“Miami is the perfect place to introduce our extraordinary presidential candidates to the country,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Terrie Rizzo.

“When [our candidates] take the stage, they’re going to show the American people that the Democratic Party is the party of ideas,” Rizzo added. “We’re fighting to empower voters, expand opportunity, and build a brighter future for all Americans. People are hungry for new leadership in the White House, and after the first debate, they’re going to be fired up and ready to organize for Democrats.”  

The DNC said additional details on the venue, moderators, and various logistical considerations will be announced at a later date.

The most recent Democratic presidential debate in South Florida was held on March 9, 2016, and featured former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Va.

Held on the Kendall Campus of Miami Dade College in Kendall, Florida, it was broadcast through a partnership between Univision and The Washington Post.