COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance have agreed to debate each other on Oct. 1, setting up a matchup of potential vice presidents as early voting in some states gets underway for the general election.
And Vice President Kamala Harris has forecast the scheduling of a second debate between Donald Trump and herself, although that matchup appeared to be contingent on the GOP nominee participating in an already scheduled Sept. 10 debate with Harris.
CBS News on Wednesday posted on its X feed that the network had invited both Vance and Walz to debate in New York City, presenting four possible dates — Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 — as options.
Walz reposted that message from his own campaign account, “See you on October 1, JD.” The Harris-Walz campaign followed up with a message of its own, saying Walz "looks forward to debating JD Vance — if he shows up.”
Vance posted on X that he would accept the Oct. 1 invitation. He also challenged Walz to meet on Sept. 18.
Officials with the Harris-Walz campaign did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Vance’s acceptance of the earlier debate that he said would be on CNN or whether Walz would participate in that one as well.
Representatives for CNN confirmed that Vance had accepted the network's debate invitation.
“CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan of “Face the Nation” will moderate the Oct. 1 debate, according to the network.
Whether or not Walz and Vance would debate before the Nov. 5 general election had been in question. In just the past several weeks, President Joe Biden left the campaign and Democrats selected Harris to lead their ticket.
Vance has largely kept his focus trained on Harris, whom he would have been set to debate before Biden's departure from the race. Vance has lobbed critiques against Walz, including questioning the retired Army National Guardsman's service record.
Trump has said he wanted Vance to debate Walz on CBS, which had been discussing potential dates for that meeting.
The debate is expected weeks after the Sept. 10 top-of-the-ticket debate recently solidified between Trump and Harris on ABC News.
Trump has said he negotiated several other debate dates, on three different networks. Fox News has also proposed a debate between Harris and Trump to take place on Sept. 4, and NBC News is angling to air one on Sept. 25.
During an appearance in Michigan, Harris said she was “happy to have that conversation” about an additional debate.
On Thursday, Harris' campaign said Trump had “accepted our proposal for three debates,” meaning one between the vice presidential running mates in addition to two presidential debates. Provided that Trump follows through on participating in the Sept. 10 ABC debate, Harris-Walz spokesperson Michael Tyler said that "the American people will have another opportunity" to see Harris and Trump on the debate stage in October, without mentioning a specific date or network.
Neither campaign immediately responded to a message seeking comment on whether a date or network had been agreed to for a second presidential debate.
AP Media writer David Bauder in New York contributed to this report.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio speaks at a campaign event, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Byron Center, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Convention in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
MILAN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 5, 2025--
REJO, a global provider of heat-not-burn(HNB) solutions, proudly unveils its refreshed brand identity and strategic expansion into the European market, which is a meaningful milestone in its journey of growth and innovation. Known for crafting innovative and reliable products, REJO’s new visual identity reflects its progressive approach to advancing the industry.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250404882478/en/
Strategic Market Entry into Europe
Building on its steady progress in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, REJO is now poised to tackle the challenges of the European market with a focus on Switzerland and the Czech Republic with its diverse product range and market adaptability. Recognizing the rising demand for herbal alternatives, REJO is making thoughtful investments in heat-not-burn products, including TOZE herbal sticks, inspired by East Asia’s rich tradition of tea-based cigarettes.
Designed to deliver a refined user experience, TOZE herbal sticks pair seamlessly with REJO HS40, the company’s signature heating device, ensuring optimal flavor and consistency. This tailored approach positions REJO as a reliable provider of innovative alternatives in European HNB market.
A Fresh Look for a New Chapter
“Take a Break. Take REJO.”
With a renewed vision, REJO unveils a refreshed brand identity alongside a new slogan that underscores its commitment to offering innovative alternatives to traditional smoking. The brand now features a vibrant color palette, centered around a warm, inviting shade of green-symbolizing comfort, relaxation and a natural connection to the essence of the product.
The redesigned brand icon, featuring an extended “O” with a petal-like shape, highlights REJO’s advanced heating technology and reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation. This change aligns with REJO’s mission to empower individuals with mindful alternatives that redefine the smoking experience, while embracing the smoke-free future alongside its global partners.
REJO aims to be a trusted companion during those brief five-minute pauses in life, offering a diverse range of alternatives that support the journey toward a mindful lifestyle. Through ongoing innovation, REJO is driving change and inspiring an elevated way of living for consumers around the world.
Commitment to Innovation
The TOZE brand name embodies REJO’s commitment to join a smoke-free future, symbolizing the combination of “TO-bacco ZE-ro”.
Leveraging the well-established expertise in tea-based cigarettes from East Asia, REJO has innovated a unique herbal stick formulation that combines natural tea fibers, nicotine, and precisely balanced flavors. After over 300 product trials, REJO has perfected a formula that enhances aroma absorption while delivering a rich, full-bodied experience with every use.
Paired with the REJO HS40 heating device-boasting an impressive 40-stick capacity per charge-this combination delivers a smoother, more consistent flavor profile.
Strengthening Market Presence in Europe
REJO is strengthening its foothold in Europe, starting with the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Following a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Czech distributor, REJO is poised to further expand TOZE’s footprint across the region. This initiative is part of a broader market strategy to establish a strong European presence.
Early market feedback from France, particularly among traditional tobacco retailers, has underscored the growing demand for TOZE products. Praised for their consistent aroma and reduced smoke odor, TOZE herbal sticks are well-positioned to meet the rising market demand for flavored alternatives.
Localized Growth and Consumer Engagement
REJO’s European expansion goes beyond product availability-it’s about building lasting connections with consumers. The company is actively recruiting industry professionals who embody its brand spirits:
“Stay Courageous, Be Undefined.”
To ensure a seamless market entry, REJO has secured key regulatory approvals, including: Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) registration, Poison Centre Notification (PCN) compliance, and Track-and-Trace registration.
Additionally, REJO is launching the REJO Club Fans Community, blending online interactions with offline events to create meaningful brand experiences and foster deeper connections with local users. By redefining the traditional five-minute break, REJO seeks to engage consumers through interactive experiences that go beyond product use, exploring new possibilities while meeting consumer needs.
Global Expansion and Continued Growth
While Europe remains a key focus, REJO continues to expand its global footprint, with products now available in nearly 10,000 retail outlets across Russia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. With a diversified product portfolio and the flexibility to adapt to various markets, REJO is poised for continued growth.
In Southeast Asia, REJO has rapidly expanded its presence, securing distribution in convenience stores and lifestyle locations. In Indonesia, the brand has established brand booths in cafés and dining bars, integrating e-commerce solutions for greater accessibility.
In the Middle East, REJO has solidified its presence through an exclusive partnership agreement at World Tobacco Dubai 2024 and a major distributor event in Dubai, engaging over 20 secondary distributors.
These efforts reflect REJO’s commitment to scalable, sustainable growth in key markets worldwide.
Pioneering the Future of Heat-Not-Burn Solutions
As REJO continues its global expansion, the company remains committed to its mission of redefining the smoking experience through innovation, reliability, and sustainability. With a strong foundation in place and ambitious plans for growth in Europe and beyond, REJO is committed to delivering reliable alternatives that empower consumers to make informed choices about their smoking experience.
“We remain flexibility in adapting to the changing market. By integrating market insights with technological advancements, we are confident that our European expansion will strengthen our position within the HNB industry,” said Li. “We believe in the potential of this market and are dedicated to creating reliable, accessible alternatives that cater to the evolving needs of global consumers.”
About REJO
REJO is a pioneering global provider in heat-not-burn solutions, crafting innovative and reliable products that redefine the smoking experience.
In partnership with REJO Friends, we are committed to delivering exceptional user experiences worldwide. Our diverse product portfolio champions healthier alternatives, setting a new standard for mindful consumption.
For more information about REJO and its products, visit www.rejonow.com.
Loic Li, Global Sales Director, Shares His Confidence in Expanding REJO’s Presence in the European Market
Crowds Gathering at the REJO Stand
