Hawley and Kunce went back and forth on issues spanning from abortion rights to energy policy, each accusing the other of lying about their record.

Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, left, confronts his Democratic challenger, Lucas Kunce, over who is ducking debates during a meeting Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at the Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.

After weeks of tussling between the two campaigns, Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley and Democrat Lucas Kunce are finally set to square off in a televised debate less than a week before voters head to the polls.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley and Democrat Lucas Kunce will face off in a TV debate on Halloween, ending a protracted conflict over whether the two candidates for U.S. Senate in Missouri would formally debate.

Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley said Wednesday morning on social media that he would appear at an Oct. 31 debate hosted by Nexstar. Democrat Lucas Kunce said he accepted the same invitation more than a week ago.

Republican Hawley and Democrat Kunce are on the November ballot for Missouri's seat in the U.S. Senate along with Green Party candidate Nathan Kline and independent Jared Young, who are both also at Friday's forum. It had been previously reported that Hawley would not attend Friday's debate.

Josh Hawley faces four challengers in his re-election bid for U.S. Senate. They include Lucas Kunce, Nathan Kline, Jared Young and W.C. Young.