WBA Newsroom
Milwaukee TV station WISN-TV is hosting three debates ahead of the April 7 Spring Election Day.
The debates will feature the candidates for Milwaukee County Executive, Milwaukee Mayor and the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Marquette University Law School is partnering with WISN 12 to host the debates for Milwaukee Mayor and Wisconsin Supreme Court.
March 11 at 7 p.m. – Milwaukee County Executive – Live from WISN 12’s studio
March 31 at 7 p.m. – Milwaukee Mayor – Live from Marquette University Law School
April 3 at 7 p.m. – Wisconsin Supreme Court – Live from Marquette University Law School
“These are three big races that will have a significant and long-lasting impact in our local communities and across the state,” said Jan Wade, president and general manager of WISN 12. “Hosting these debates through our Commitment 2020 coverage offers viewers, and more specifically voters, information that is crucial in making informed decisions at the ballot box.”
The debate for Milwaukee County Executive will occur on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 7 – 8 p.m. between state Representative David Crowley and state Senator Chris Larson. The debate will be moderated by Adrienne Pedersen, host of “Upfront” and anchor of “WISN 12 News This Morning,” and take place and air live from WISN 12’s studio.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2020 from 7 – 8 p.m., the Milwaukee mayoral debate will be held between incumbent Mayor Tom Barrett and state Senator Lena Taylor. This debate, airing on WISN 12, will be the only debate for Milwaukee Mayor before election day on April 7. The debate for Wisconsin Supreme Court will occur on Friday, April 3, 2020, with incumbent Justice Dan Kelly and Judge Jill Karofsky. Both of these debates will take place at Marquette University Law School, and be moderated by Mike Gousha, Distinguished Fellow in Law and Public Policy at Marquette Law School. Adrienne Pedersen, host of “Upfront” and anchor of “WISN 12 News This Morning,” will field anchor the live broadcasts on WISN 12.
“These debates are substantial opportunities for voters in Milwaukee and Wisconsin to hear directly from the candidates for important offices, in a substantial conversation with one another and Mike Gousha,” said Dean Joseph D. Kearney. “Marquette Law School welcomes the opportunity once again to collaborate with WISN in civic service of this sort.”
Marquette Law School Debates
Due to limited space, the events will be ticketed and all seats have been reserved. News coverage of the debates and/or access to a pool feed is welcome and requires media credentials. Journalists must contact Kevin Conway at Marquette University, kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu, regarding credentials. All media must be on the credential list for access to the building the evening of a debate. Parking for live trucks must also be arranged in advance.