U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle are meeting in their final debate showdown in their race to represent Hawaii in the U.S. Senate.

The contenders were expected to debate tonight, just before early voting begins statewide on Tuesday.

The debate is airing on Hawaii News Now from 7 to 8 p.m. It is co-sponsored by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

The matchup comes the same night President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney square off in their final debate to be the nation’s commander in chief.

Hirono argues that as a Democrat, she’s most in line with Hawaii voters and in support of Obama. Lingle argues she’s a better pick as a Republican because Hawaii will be better off with a balanced delegation, with one Republican and one Democrat.