SEATTLE – Gov. Jay Inslee and his GOP challenger, Republic Police Chief Loren Culp, will face off in a debate Oct. 7 that will air on KOMO-TV News and livestreamed on komonews.com.

In addition, the two candidates for lieutenant governor, State Sen. Marko Liias and U.S. Rep. Denny Heck, will debate Oct. 22.

Both events will be hosted by the Washington State Debate Coalition and its media partners.

The Oct. 7 debate between Inslee and Culp will be livestreamed from 8 to 9 p.m., immediately following the U.S. vice-presidential debate. The Oct. 22 debate will air from 8 to 9 p.m., immediately following that evening’s U.S. presidential debates.

With the litany of challenges our society faces, particularly systemic racism and the incredible disruptions due COVID-19, providing voters access to the plans, policies and qualifications of those who seek to govern has never been a more critical public service,” said Laura Lockard, Chairperson of the WSDC. “We are proud to partner with media organizations throughout the state to schedule, promote and broadcast the statewide public debates to engage and inform Washington voters.”

The WSDC is supported every election cycle by numerous media, education and civic partners, all committed to the belief that making public debates available to all is crucial to a functioning democracy.

The debates will be held at the broadcast facilities of TVW in Olympia, where all public health strictures and guidelines for social gatherings and face coverings will be followed.