SAN MARCOS, Texas — A chance for Texas history is in limbo.
Texas State University in San Marcos was supposed to host the first presidential debate on Texas soil later this fall. But now plans for other debates have been announced, raising questions about whether the university's will happen.
Texas State has been anxiously preparing to host President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump.
"Never had a presidential debate at Texas State. It will be a huge event, huge for the university, huge for the whole area," Political Science Department Chair Dr. Kenneth Grasso said.
RELATED: Biden, Trump sidestep traditional presidential debate schedule that included Texas State University
The Commission on Presidential Debates has been organizing these discussions for decades. But the candidates and major television networks announced other debates earlier this week. Grasso said this is unprecedented.
“This is the first time since 1988 where that was broken with and candidates raised it independently of the commission, or seem to be middle of doing that," he said. "At the end, it’s still a fluid situation. We are really waiting to see how this shakes out."
Aside from making Texas history, a debate at the university would have a huge economic impact on San Marcos.
Not far from campus, over at the Café On the Square, there was a lot of excitement when the debate was first announced.
"Buzzing. We were super excited, especially for the university," server Lauren Marrow said.
Marrow has been a server for 17 years, and she said she was looking forward to the debate coming to campus.
"Hopefully have a nice busy weekend, some customers at the café," she said.
Grasso said it is just a waiting game to see if the debate stays in San Marcos.
"Limbo is the right word," he said. "Waiting on more information."