SEDALIA, Mo. – Will Josh Hawley and Lucas Kunce debate this week? The two candidates for a Missouri U.S. Senate seat originally set sights for a debate on Thursday, though it may fall through, due to an apparent impasse around the debate terms.
Hawley is a Republican incumbent seeking reelection for a Missouri U.S. Senate seat he has held since 2019. Kunce will challenge Hawley as a Democratic candidate for the Senate seat in the November election after his primary victory last week.
After Kunce’s victory on Aug. 6, Hawley shared an X post congratulating Kunce on the primary victory and challenging him to a debate around the Missouri State Fairgrounds on Aug. 15.
Kunce’s campaign responded on Aug. 7 and said he accepted an invitation to debate, though also pushing for multiple televised debates.
Some point after that, Missouri State Fair officials sent a letter advising people it would not host the debate, prompting plans to change the location.
On Aug. 9, Garrett Hawkins, the President of Missouri Farm Bureau, then said via X that an Aug. 15 debate location was “secured” next to the Fairgrounds. The Missouri Farm Bureau has publicly endorsed Hawley ahead of the U.S. Senate election.
Fast forward to Aug. 13, just two days before the election, Kunce’s campaign told Missourinet News Director Alisa Nelson that he would not participate in a debate with Missouri Farm Bureau ties, reportedly offering remarks that “it’s still a rally for Josh Hawley” under such conditions.
Based on his previous X posts, Kunce’s campaign has agreed to five televised debates, including one originally expected this Thursday. Based on his previous X posts, Hawley’s campaign has not formally agreed to a televised debate since Kunce’s primary win.
Hawley offered remarks on Wednesday saying he would be at the Missouri State Fair and “ready to debate.” It’s unclear if Kunce will be attending the State Fair, with or without plans to debate near the fairgrounds.
The Missouri State Fair, which is not hosting a debate but could be within proximity of a possible debate location, runs through Sunday, Aug. 18.
NOTE: Two videos are attached to the top of this story with FOX 2’s coverage of rallies around Kunce and Hawley last week after primary election victories.
