Beto O’Rourke says Gov. Greg Abbott “refuses” to debate with a live audience

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Performing Arts Complex, where Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Beto O’Rourke debated on Friday without an audience. (Credit: Social media)

Beto O’Rourke accused Gov. Greg Abbott of refusing to face voters during the candidates’ first and only gubernatorial debate by not allowing a studio audience to view the event.

“It’ll be empty—no seats filled—because Abbott refuses to face those he’s failed these last 8 years,” O’Rourke said in a tweet with a photo of an empty auditorium before the debate began.