Wyoming PBS Will Host House Debate Without Gray

The U.S. House of Representatives debate will proceed without Republican candidate Chuck Gray on October 14.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Elections

Wyoming PBS Will Host House Debate Without Gray

Live Poll

Should candidates for public office be required to participate in televised debates to reach voters?

Wyoming PBS will host a U.S. House of Representatives debate on October 14, 2026, though Republican candidate Chuck Gray will not participate. PBS protocols require the attendance of at least two candidates to hold a debate.

Why it matters

Chuck Gray expressed frustration with the moderation style used by PBS during the primary election. Conversely, candidate Lisa Kinney stated that public debates are vital for ensuring voters have the information needed to make informed choices.

The U.S. House of Representatives debate is scheduled for October 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Riverton High School Auditorium. Wyoming PBS is also hosting debates for gubernatorial, secretary of state, and state superintendent positions.

The players

Chuck Gray

He is a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives who has participated in multiple prior debates.

Lisa Kinney

She is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives who advocates for public debates.

Steve Peck

He is the moderator scheduled to preside over the series of debates held at Riverton High School.

Wyoming PBS

This is the public broadcasting organization responsible for hosting and streaming the statewide candidate debates.

The details

The event will feature candidates Lisa Kinney, Jeff Haggit, and Shawn Johnson. While Gray opted out, Wyoming PBS will move forward with the broadcast as multiple candidates are set to appear.

October 14, 2026: U.S. House of Representatives debate at 7 p.m.
October 14, 2026: Gubernatorial and secretary of state debates.
October 15, 2026: State superintendent of public instruction debate.
November 3, 2026: General election date.

Political Context

Opponents of the debate format have argued that moderator bias can unfairly influence the perception of candidates during live broadcasts. Supporters maintain that the inclusion of multiple participants in a public forum is a fundamental check on candidate accountability.

Residents can watch the House of Representatives debate live on Wyoming PBS or via the station's YouTube channel. This broadcast provides voters with a direct opportunity to assess the policy positions of the attending candidates before the November 3 general election.

The takeaway

Voters should check local broadcast schedules to ensure they do not miss the opportunity to hear from candidates in real time. Following live debates is one of the most effective ways to compare multiple candidates side-by-side before heading to the polls.