Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Democratic Presidential Contenders Scramble to Make September Debate Jim Malone WASHINGTON - Among the more than 20 Democratic presidential hopefuls, the scramble is on to qualify for the next candidates' debate in September. The debate is now set for Sept. 12-13 in Houston, Texas. Former Obama administration Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro got some good news this week, when he became the 10th Democrat to qualify for the debate, the third such event. Several other Democrats likely will not make the cut for the next debate, however, hampering their chances of building support in the crowded and at times chaotic primary battle. .