Wed Sep 18 17:27:00 UTC 2024: ## Hawley and Kunce to Face Off in Televised Debate Before Election
**Sedalia, MO** – Republican U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and his Democratic challenger, Lucas Kunce, will finally participate in a televised debate just a week before the election. The debate will air on October 31st on Missouri Nexstar stations, marking the only planned opportunity for the two candidates to share a stage.
This comes after weeks of back-and-forth between the campaigns regarding debates. While Kunce has repeatedly called for multiple debates, Hawley has been less enthusiastic. He initially proposed a debate at the Missouri State Fair, then pushed for one hosted by the Missouri Farm Bureau, which supports him.
Kunce has agreed to participate in the Missouri Press Association’s annual convention debate on Friday, where he will be joined by third-party candidates. However, Hawley’s campaign has not confirmed his attendance.
“Unlike Josh Hawley, Lucas respects the responsibility of a candidate and U.S. Senator to connect with folks they are meant to represent,” said Caleb Cavarretta, Kunce’s campaign manager. “This year, we’ve got two weeks of no-excuse in-person absentee voting in Missouri so it would be great for voters to hear from Josh Hawley before then, but unfortunately he wants to hide out as long as he can.”
This isn’t the first time a major party candidate has skipped the Press Association’s debate. In 2022, Republican Eric Schmitt also declined to participate.
The gubernatorial candidates, however, will be present at the debate. Republican Mike Kehoe, Democrat Crystal Quade, and third-party candidates Paul Lehmann and Bill Slantz have all confirmed their participation.
The debate, moderated by David Lieb of The Associated Press, will be a key opportunity for voters to hear the candidates’ stances on important issues before casting their ballots.
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