Four weeks from Election Day, Texas still has no general election debate scheduled for governor or U.S. Senate, and political observers say the window is closing fast. Gov. Greg Abbott, who debated in all three of his previous gubernatorial campaigns, faces Democrat Gina Hinojosa. In the Senate race, Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico have yet to agree on a date, even though Paxton’s team said in July they would participate.

For voters here in Ellis County, that matters beyond the headlines. The same ballot carrying the governor and Senate races also carries county offices, local measures and judicial seats, and a quieter top of the ticket often means fewer people show up or fewer people finish the whole ballot. Early voting begins October 19 at the Ellis County Elections Office and other locations around the county.

SMU political science professor Matthew Wilson points to a short calendar and limited interest from candidates, particularly on the Republican side, as reasons a debate may never come together. Abbott’s campaign did not comment. Hinojosa has criticized his record, and Talarico has kept pressing for a forum. So what do you think? Should Texas statewide candidates be expected to debate, or is a debate just theater at this point? Let us know.