The University of Alabama and Auburn University Student Government Associations will partner with the Young Republican Federation of Alabama to host a debate between Rep. Robert Bentley and Sen. Bradley Byrne, the two Republican candidates participating in the July 13 run-off election.

The debate will take place Friday in Birmingham’s Cahaba Grand Conference Center from 8:30 to 10 p.m. and will be moderated by Jon Paepcke of NBC 13.

“The gubernatorial run-off debate is a great opportunity to enhance civic engagement and responsibility within the student body,” SGA President James Fowler said.

“This will also serve as a great source to educate students on the issues at hand so they will be able to make an educated decision on who they want to represent our state,” Fowler added. “As an SGA, we are thrilled to provide the students at the University of Alabama with this resource.”

Dr. Robert Bentley said he is excited he will have the opportunity to talk about the issues with college students.

“I’m looking forward to being there with Bradley Byrne and discussing the issues with young voters,” Bentley said in a phone interview.

The Bradley Byrne campaign is hoping to show young voters differences between the two candidates.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to spell out the very clear distinctions between Rep. Bentley and Bradley Byrne. The people of Alabama have a right to know the facts about Rep. Bentley’s voting record before going to the polls on July 13,” the Byrne campaign said in a statement.

The event will also include a panel of SGA officials and local political talk show hosts.

Fowler will be joined on the panel by Kurt Sasser, Auburn’s SGA chairman, and Ryan Jones, vice-chairman of the Young Republican Federations of Alabama.

Lee Davis, host of the Lee Davis Show on 101.1 FM The Source, and Richard Dixon, host of the Richard Dixon Show on WAPI 100.5 FM, will round out the five-person panel.

Rep. Phil Williams (R-Hunstville) will perform with his band “TokenYoko” before the debate.

The debate will be broadcasted live on AL.Com and WAPI 100.5.