SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State University in San Marcos will host the first in a series of four scheduled presidential election debates next year on Sept. 16, 2024, Texas State officials announced Monday.
The university will become the first location in Texas to host a presidential debate, according to school officials.
KHOU 11 News political analyst Brandon Rottinghaus said the choice is likely a sign that the Lone Star State is expected to be a key player in this election.
"This means, I think, that Texas is politically potentially in play. The commission likes to pick places that are big swing states, and obviously Texas is on that list," Rottinghaus said. "This is an opportunity for Texas politics to be on the big stage."
Texas State is also the only university in Texas with a United States president alumnus. Lyndon B. Johnson, who served as the 36th U.S. president, graduated in 1930 with a bachelor of science in history with a teaching certificate., the Texas Tribune reported.
“It’s fitting that the only university in Texas to graduate a U.S. president will be the first university in Texas to host a presidential debate,” Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall said. “This is an exciting time at Texas State, and we can’t wait to showcase our great university before a global audience.”
“On behalf of our university community, TXST is honored to represent Texas on the international stage and play a direct role in the nation’s democratic process, TXST President Kelly Damphousse said. "Our university will provide the perfect environment to debate and share ideas that will shape the future of our nation."
Jack Martin, distinguished alumnus and former chair of the Texas State University System Board of Regents, will chair the Texas State Presidential Debate Committee, which will coordinate fundraising efforts related to the debate.
“It is especially fitting that TXST will host the debate as we celebrate our 125th year as an institution of higher learning," Damphousse said. "Supporting our students in becoming engaged global citizens is core to our TXST values and to our legacy. Our university will provide the perfect environment to debate and share ideas that will shape the future of our nation."