Seven Democratic candidates to face off in ‘WISN 12 Commitment 2026’ debate ahead of the state’s gubernatorial primary election
MILWAUKEE, WI (June 9, 2026) – WISN 12 will host and broadcast a live debate on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The debate, part of the station’s ongoing ‘WISN 12 Commitment 2026’ coverage, includes the primary candidates vying to become the Democratic nominee in the race for Wisconsin Governor. It will feature Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, David Crowley, Francesca Hong, Missy Hughes, Sara Rodriguez, and Kelda Roys.
“A majority of Wisconsin voters are currently undecided in this primary election, making the debate especially important before people head to the polls,” says Shawn Oswald, president and general manager of WISN 12. “Wisconsin voters deserve clear answers about where each candidate stands on the important issues.”
The ‘WISN 12 Commitment 2026’ debate will take place in the Weasler Auditorium on the Marquette University campus. It is being moderated by WISN 12 News’ journalists Gerron Jordan and Matt Smith. The debate occurs two weeks ahead of the primary election on August 11, 2026, just as early voting begins. The elected Democratic nominee will then move forward to face the Republican nominee in the gubernatorial general election on November 3, 2026.
Along with being broadcast in Southeastern Wisconsin on WISN 12 and streaming on wisn.com and on ‘Very Local’ – WISN 12’s free streaming app, the debate will be offered statewide on the WISN 12 UPFRONT partner stations in Green Bay (WBAY), Madison (WKOW), Wausau (WAOW), Eau Claire (WQOW) and La Crosse (WXOW), and will be done in collaboration with UPFRONT partner, WisPolitics. Please check local listings for complete schedules.
The debate will be conducted without an in-person audience. Members of the media interested in covering the debate are requested to RSVP to Kevin Conway at Marquette University at Kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu by July 24.
