Washington State Debate Coalition Presents State Candidates in Live Debates
Inslee and Culp will debate on Oct. 7 and Liias and Heck on Oct. 22
Fair and equal access with transparent discussion featured as candidates present vision for Washington’s future
Seattle, Wash. (Sept., 24, 2020) – This year, the Washington State Debate Coalition (WSDC), led by Seattle CityClub, will host two debates on Oct. 7, 2020, and Oct. 22, 2020. The goal is to ensure that citizens across Washington have access to incumbents and candidates, with open respectful discussion running for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor for the State of Washington.
The gubernatorial debate between Governor Jay Inslee and Republic Police Chief Loren Culp will be broadcast by WSDC premiere media partners and other coalition members on October 7 from 8 to 9 p.m. PST, immediately after the nationally televised and broadcasted Vice-Presidential debate.
“Access to candidates, and hearing their plans and goals in their own words, has never been more important than it is right now,” said Laura Lockard, Chairperson of the WSDC. “The Washington State Debate Coalition is proud to continue the great tradition of fair debate. We have respected professionals from our premier media partners to serve as moderators for the October 7 gubernatorial debate. Our moderators embody the expertise, balance, and highest standards of commitment to informative public debates that Washington voters expect.”
The following premier media partners will air the gubernatorial debate live: KING 5, KIRO 7, KCTS 9, KOMO 4, NWPB, and TVW. Q13 FOX (KCPQ) will air the pre-recorded debate at 9pm. The debates will also be streamed live on TVW.org, KCTS9.org, KING5.com, KIRO7.com, KOMONews.com, KUOW.org, Q13FOX.com and NWPB.org.
The following moderators have been selected for this gubernatorial debate (alphabetical by last name): Chris Daniels (KING 5), Brandi Kruse (Q13 FOX KCPQ News), Essex Porter (KIRO 7) and Melissa Santos (KCTS 9/Crosscut).
Additional broadcast partners, satellite coordinates, and a livestream link will be announced in the coming days. Media organizations wishing to join the coalition are invited to do so by completing this application form.
Individuals wishing to receive more information on this debate are encouraged to RSVP on Eventbrite here.
In addition to the gubernatorial race, the WSDC will host a lieutenant governor debate between State Senator Marko Liias and U.S. Representative Denny Heck (WA-10) on October 22, 2020, from 8 to 9 p.m. PST, immediately after that evening’s Presidential debate. Moderators and broadcast partners for this debate will be announced in the coming days.
The WSDC and its partners are committed to the safety and security of all candidates, staff and volunteers involved in the upcoming debates while our state continues fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, debates will be held at the broadcast facilities of TVW in Olympia, Wash., where all public health guidelines for social gatherings and face coverings will be followed.
About the WA State Debate Coalition
Founded by Seattle CityClub in 2016, the Washington State Debate Coalition has produced seven public debates, viewed more than 1.5 million total times, covering gubernatorial elections, U.S. Senate races, and more. The WSDC is supported every election cycle by media, education and civic partners, all committed to the belief that making public debates available to all is crucial to a functioning democracy. It is sponsored by AARP and BNSF Railway. To see all WSDC 2020 partners, and to access free Educational Resources and a WSDC FAQ, visit SeattleCityClub.org/our-programs/WSDC.
About the Premiere Media Partners
The following media outlets are the WSDC’s distinguished partners for the 2020 debate season (in alphabetical order): Cascade Public Media, KING 5, KIRO 7, KOMO 4, KUOW, Northwest Public Broadcasting, Q13 FOX (KCPQ), and TVW.
About Seattle CityClub
Seattle CityClub is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization improving the civic health of the Puget Sound region by providing programs that bridge politics, sectors and generations to inform and engage residents and community leaders. For more information, visit SeattleCityClub.org