Local television stations are beginning to suggest formats and dates for debates in the Wisconsin governor race, but the nominees have not yet committed to any specific events.
Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany have not yet shared a debate stage and squared off on the issues facing Wisconsin voters.
The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association announced plans to host a debate Friday, Oct. 9, continuing a 36-year tradition, according to the group. Milwaukee-based TMJ4 plans to host a town hall Oct. 8 in partnership with the Intergovernmental Cooperation Council of Milwaukee County. Other television stations are also floating debates.
Spokespeople for both Crowley and Tiffany’s campaign said Aug. 18 they have not yet committed to any specific debates.
More debates or forums between Crowley and Tiffany could be proposed and scheduled before Oct. 8. Early, in-person voting in the race starts Oct. 20.
Here are the details we know so far on possible debates.
When is the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association debate?
The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association is proposing a debate on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. that would last one hour. The debate plans were announced Aug. 17.
Radio and television stations across Wisconsin would air the debate. A full list of stations is typically available closer to the event. Jill Geisler, a veteran broadcast journalist, would moderate the debate, and questions would come from a panel of television journalists from stations across the state:
A data team would provide background and context online and on social media platforms during the debate:
When is the TMJ4 town hall between David Crowley, Tom Tiffany?
TMJ4 announced plans in March to host a town hall debate between the nominees for governor Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.
That event is planned for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Zelazo Center, though both invited candidates have not yet publicly committed, according to the station.
The proposed debate partners with the Intergovernmental Cooperation Council of Milwaukee County, which represents local government leaders in the state’s largest county.
Partner NBC stations across the state also plan to carry the event.
How many debates typically happen in a Wisconsin governor race?
Only one debate was held in the 2022 race between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who went on to win his second term, and Republican challenger Tim Michels. That debate took place Oct. 14 – 25 days before the election that year.
In 2018, two televised debates were held between Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Evers, who won the Democratic primary that year. The debates in that race took place Oct. 19 and Oct. 26 – much closer to the Nov. 6 election.
Two debates were held in the 2014 governor race and three in 2010.
While Wisconsin does not have a U.S. Senate race in 2026, two to three debates are typical in those statewide races.
(This story was updated to include information about the TMJ4 event and comments from the campaigns.)
Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Debates floated for David Crowley, Tom Tiffany, who haven’t committed
Reporting by Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Hope Karnopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
