WBA cancels planned October 9 gubernatorial debate

MADISON, Wis. – A planned gubernatorial debate hosted by the Wisconsin Broadcasters' Association is officially canceled. The debate was planned for October 9th in Milwaukee. But in a statement, the organization says neither candidate confirmed their participation. 'Based on legal precedent, for the foundation to air a debate, multiple candidates must participate. Two invitations were sent and both had to be accepted in order to have a debate. That did not happen,' said the WBA in the September 8 release. The WBA Foundation hopes to host a U.S. Senate debate in the 2028 election cycle, according to the release. The only confirmed gubernatorial debate between Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany will be October 21st hosted by Channel 12 at Marquette University. TMJ4 and the Milwaukee County Intergovernmental Cooperation Council have scheduled a gubernatorial town hall debate for October 8th at UW-Milwaukee, though neither candidate has confirmed their participation. TOP STORIES FROM THE WTMJ NEWSROOM: