The two main rivals to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in this year’s governor’s race are holding an unusual debate designed to focus attention on their campaigns — and play up Cuomo’s refusal to participate.

Republican Rob Astorino and Cuomo’s Democratic Primary challenger Zephyr Teachout are set to square off in a radio debate Thursday morning on WNYC radio.

Campaign debates typically wait until after the party primaries, but Astorino extended the offer to Teachout after her debate invitations to Cuomo went unanswered.

The exposure could help both candidates as they struggle to get traction. Polls show both Astorino, the Westchester County executive, and Teachout, a Columbia University law professor, trail Cuomo in name recognition.

Teachout faces Cuomo in next week’s Democratic primary.

(AP)