US Senate Democratic Primary debate to air on FOX 47 Thursday

DES MOINES, Iowa (KTTC) – KTTC’s sister station KCRG is partnering with KCCI to host a Senatorial debate as part of our 2026 political coverage ahead of the June 2 primary.

The debate will air live at 7 p.m. May 14 on FOX 47 and will be livestreamed on the KTTC app.

KCCI Chief Political Reporter Amanda Rooker and Gray Television’s Political Director Dave Price will ask candidates about the issues that matter most to Iowans, including education, healthcare and the challenges in both urban and rural communities. The debate features the two Democrats hoping to earn their party’s nomination for U.S. Senate.

The candidates participating in the Democratic Senate debate are Rep. Josh Turek of Council Bluffs and state Sen. Zach Wahls of Coralville. The two are running to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst as Iowa’s junior senator. Ernst’s retirement after two terms leaves a Senate seat open for the first time since 2014.

The candidates will face each other at KCCI’s studios in Des Moines.

“This primary election is already influencing the future of Iowa politics,” added KCCI President and General Manager Brian Sather. “Voters deserve direct access to the candidates and the issues that matter. Hosting these debates is part of our commitment to informing Iowans as they make decisions at the ballot box.”

Candidates will give opening and closing statements and have one minute to answer questions from the moderator team and from viewers across the state.

“Iowa voters deserve a clear, side-by-side look at the candidates and where they stand,” said KCCI News Director Natalie Cabieses. “At KCCI, we are serious about our commitment to serve this state with meaningful, fact-driven coverage. We’re proud to bring these conversations directly to Iowans as they prepare to vote.”

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