The four candidates for U.S. senator for Missouri participated in a forum that turned into a debate Friday afternoon in Springfield. Josh Hawley, Lucas Kunce, Jared Young, and Nathan Kline all participated.

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.

Friday's senatorial debate was largely dominated by Democrat Lucas Kunce and Republican Josh Hawley exchanging remarks on each other's stances.

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 debate. It had been previously reported that Hawley would not attend Friday's debate.

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.

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 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.