WBA Foundation cancels 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial debate | Wisconsin Politics

MADISON, Wis. (WKOW) — The WBA Foundation’s televised 2026 gubernatorial debate, originally scheduled for Oct. 9, has been canceled.

The foundation said that, based on legal precedent, multiple candidates must participate for it to air a debate. Two invitations were sent, and both had to be accepted to hold a debate, but that did not happen.

The campaign for Democrat David Crowley said Crowley was looking forward to participating in the debate, but is looking forward to debating Republican Tom Tiffany on Oct. 21.

We reached out to Tiffany’s campaign, and are awaiting a reply.

The WBA Foundation, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, hosted its first televised gubernatorial debate in 1990. Since then, it has hosted a televised debate in every Wisconsin gubernatorial and U.S. Senate contest.

Radio and TV stations across the state have a long history of participating in and airing debates.

The WBA Foundation hopes to host a U.S. Senate debate in the 2028 election cycle.

WISN-TV is hosting the only confirmed debate between Wisconsin’s gubernatorial candidates, Congressman Tom Tiffany (R) and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley (D). That is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:00 p.m. WXOW will have coverage.