Debate between candidates for Wisconsin governor scheduled for Oct. 21

Sept. 3, 2026

by Baylor Spears, Wisconsin Examiner

A televised debate between gubernatorial candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany has been set for Wednesday, Oct 21. The one-hour debate will be held on the Marquette University campus without a live audience at 7 p.m. two weeks ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3. 

The Democratic Milwaukee County executive and Republican congressman from the Northwoods are vying in the first open race since 2010 to become the state’s next governor. WISN-12 reporters Matt Smith and Gerron Jordan will moderate the debate, which will cover topics including cost of living, taxes, immigration enforcement, data centers and election security.

It will be streamed on the WISN website and streaming app and also be made available statewide on its partner stations in Green Bay (WBAY), Madison (WKOW), Wausau (WAOW), Eau Claire (WQOW) and La Crosse (WXOW). 

The candidates have been invited to two other debates including one hosted by WTMJ-TV on Oct. 8 and one hosted by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Oct. 9. The candidates have not agreed to participate in those.

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