Will they debate?
Republican Senator Josh Hawley—and his opponent, Democratic nominee Lucas Kunce were scheduled to debate at the Missouri State Fair, but plans have changed.
Multiple stations said they would broadcast the debate. However, on Aug. 9, the Missouri State Fair sent out a letter regarding the debate:
“There have been recent inquiries about potential political debates at the State Fair. The Missouri State Fair Commission believes the State Fair should continue highlighting Missouri’s Agricultural industry and the work of our youth exhibitors. The Commission has been working hard for the past year to set the agenda for 2024. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate any request for political debates on the fairgrounds during the duration of the Missouri State Fair.”
Following the announcement from the Missouri State Fair, the Missouri Farm Bureau announced the organization would host a debate on Thursday, Aug. 15 at noon across the street from the State Fair.
Kunce says he will not accept Hawley’s latest proposal to debate at an event hosted by the Missouri Farm Bureau, saying it would not be a neutral party.
According to Federal Election Commission data, The Missouri Farm Bureau Political Action Committee endorsed Hawley and has donated to Hawley’s campaign.
The organization donated $5,000 during Hawley’s first run for Missouri Senate in 2018 and another $5,000 in May 2024.
Kunce’s team says the Missouri Farm Bureau event is a rally, citing the donations to the Hawley campaign.
No new debate times between Hawley and Kunce have been confrimed.
Missouri voters will head to the polls on November 5.
