YOUNGSTOWN - Democratic and Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate primary election races in Ohio face off in separate debates on Monday, while only two Democrats in the race for governor are scheduled to debate on the following night.

There will be no debate among Republican candidates for Ohio governor since incumbent Mike Dewine informed the Ohio Debate Commission that he would not be taking part because, according to a statement from his office, Ohioans already know where he stands on issues.

When challenger Jim Renacci announced shortly afterward that he was dropping out of the debate, the commission canceled the event.

All three debates, held at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, will be live-streamed on wfmj.com.

Two debates for the spot now held by Senator Rob Portman are scheduled for Monday, May 28, 2022.

Democrats who will face off from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. are Morgan Harper, Traci “T.J.” Johnson, and Congressman Tim Ryan.

The debate will be moderated by Spectrum News anchor Curtis Jackson.

Later that same night, a crowded stage of Republican Senate candidates will debate from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Confirmed participants include State Senator Matt Dolan, Mike Gibbons, Josh Mandel, Neil Patel, Mark Pukita, Jane Timken, and JD Vance.

Bureau Chief, Statehouse News Bureau Karen Kasler will moderate.

On Tuesday night, Democratic candidates for Ohio Governor John Cranley and Nan Whaley are scheduled to debate from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The debate will be moderated by Lucy May, host of Cincinnati Edition.

Watch parties in the Valley

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County and the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown are partnering to host watch parties for all three Ohio gubernatorial and U.S. Senate primary debates.

League members will explain the debate process and answer questions from participants ahead of the debates.

The debate watch parties and pre-debate presentations will be held at the following times and locations:

  • U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Debate Presentation and Watch Party:
  • Monday, March 28: Presentation begins at 11:00 a.m. The debate is 11:30-12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Newport Library, 3730 Market St., Youngstown.

 

  • U.S. Senate Republican Primary Debate Presentation and Watch Party: 
  • Monday, March 28: Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. The debate is 7:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Poland Library, 311 S. Main St., Poland.

 

  • Ohio Gubernatorial Democratic Primary Debate Presentation and Watch Party:
  • Tuesday, March 29: Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. The debate is 7:00-8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Campbell Library (located inside the CLWCC), 436 Struthers-Coitsville Rd., Lowellville.