Josh Hawley and Lucas Kance face off in the US Senate debate

ST. LOUIS – Missouri U.S. Senate candidates Josh Hawley and Lucas Kunce went head-to-head in a live televised debate Thursday, digging deep into a series of critical issues just five days before the general election.

The event, titled “Debate Night in Missouri, the Race for the US Senate,” marks the only scheduled debate between the two candidates in one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. The hour-long live debate aired across Missouri on Thursday at 7 p.m. on Nexstar stations, including KTVI/KPLR-St. Louis, WDAF-Kansas City, KRBK-Springfield and KSN-Joplin, as well as their digital platforms.

The debate agreement came after months of public challenges and a personal confrontation between Hawley and Kunce at the Missouri State Fair in August. Both campaigns have actively engaged in media advertising, accusing each other of misrepresenting their positions on various issues.

Major topics covered included abortion rights, the economy, immigration and presidential elections.

Ahead of the debate, recent polls from Emerson College, The Hill and Nexstar show Hawley with an 11-point lead, though the incumbent suggests the race may be closer.

Nexstar Media, Inc. aims to provide a balanced and accessible platform for candidates to present their positions, in line with the company’s commitment to informing voters and promoting informed election choices.

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