Senate hopefuls U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case will face off in their only live televised debate tonight.

The debate, sponsored by the Star-Advertiser and its news partner Hawaii News Now, will air statewide from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on KHNL, KGMB and KFVE.

Hirono and Case are vying to be the Democratic nominee for the seat of Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, who is retiring. The primary election is Aug. 11. The winner is expected to face off against Republican former Gov. Linda Lingle in the general election.