Hofstra University to Host First 2016 Presidential Debate

Hofstra University will host the first 2016 presidential debate in September, the Commission on Presidential Debates said Tuesday.

The news comes after Wright State University announced that it was pulling out of hosting the Sept. 26 debate, citing rising costs and security costs.

The Commission on Presidential Debates posted the following statement on its website:

In light of Wright State University's announcement of earlier today, the September 26, 2016 Presidential Debate will be held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. The Commission very much appreciates Wright State's efforts. Hofstra University served very successfully as a presidential debate site in 2012. On September 23, 2015, the Commission announced that Hofstra University had agreed to serve as an alternate site this debate cycle if needed. The Commission looks forward to working with Hofstra once again.

David R. Hopkins, the president of Wright State University, which is located in Ohio, said officials made the "very difficult decision" to not host the debate amid a "growing crescendo of concern about what it would take to guarantee the safety and security of the campus and the community."

Unlike private universities, such as Hofstra, Wright State cannot restrict public access to its campus, which adds to security challenges, Hopkins said.

"We were fully aware of the challenges and were prepared to meet them when we decided to host the debate, but things have changed," he said. "The current national environment has made security even more critical."