Democrat Lupe Valdez said Wednesday she has accepted an invitation to an October governor's race debate and called on rival Greg Abbott to stop "hiding" from the people of Texas.

A news release from the Valdez campaign said the debate is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. at the University of Houston-Downtown. It would be streamed on the websites of Houston's ABC affiliate, KTRK-TV, and Univision 45. It would have real-time Spanish translation and include questions in Spanish.

"I'm running to represent all of Texas, and if there is going to be a debate, town hall or other type of forum, we need to ensure a real discussion for all of Texas to hear," Valdez said in a prepared statement. "That means making sure the event is accessible via TV and online. That means not choosing days when Texans typically observe the ritual that is Friday night lights football. That means having an audience to face the people we strive to serve. That means having questions in Spanish to acknowledge that Latinos are 40% of our population."

Valdez's push for the Houston debate puts her at loggerheads with Abbott, who insists on a Sept. 28 event in Austin. The Republican incumbent accepted an invitation from Nexstar Media Group for a one-hour gubernatorial debate to be televised at 7 p.m. that day.

"We've agreed to the debate on the 28th, and we look forward to our opponent accepting that invitation," Abbott campaign spokesman John Wittman said.

Valdez has not accepted it, meaning that as of Wednesday, one candidate had been confirmed for each debate.

The September debate is to be carried on 12 Texas television stations Nexstar owns, in addition to partner stations in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Abbott's campaign said.

Valdez takes exception with the timing.

"Seriously, during Friday Night Lights? Texans deserve better. Call me, maybe?" she said via Twitter.

Thanks @GregAbbott_TX for accepting a debate! We’re in and always happy to discuss our vision for a Texas that works for all. We haven’t agreed to the terms yet - but seriously, during Friday Night Lights? 🏈 Texans deserve better. Call me, maybe? — Lupe Valdez (@LupeValdez) July 11, 2018

After announcing the October debate, Valdez attempted to apply pressure on Abbott.

"Governor Abbott's previous debate acceptance is hollow if the audience is shut out and the event is scheduled so no one is home to see it," she wrote. "If he is truly committed to a forum for and by the people of Texas, he should accept our conditions."

Abbott is heavily favored to win re-election in November, particularly since Valdez, the former Dallas County sheriff, is underfunded and largely unknown outside of North Texas.

A Democrat hasn't been elected Texas governor since Ann Richards won in 1990.