U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Colin Allred will meet for the first debate of the closely contested Senate race on Oct. 15, the two campaigns announced Friday. The debate comes as multiple polls have shown a very tight race between the two-term Texas Republican and the Dallas Democrat challenging him.

The Oct. 15 debate will mark the first time the nominees will face each other onstage before the November election.

Colin Allred is one point ahead of Ted Cruz on 45 percent to 44 percent, according to a new poll by Morning Consult.

Scheduled three weeks before Election Day, the debate will be a crucial opportunity for both candidates to sway undecided voters.