Skip to content
News
Link copied to clipboard
Link copied to clipboard

Pa. GOP governor debate: Start time, how to watch, and which candidates will attend

The first debate will feature 13 GOP candidates vying to replace Gov. Tom Wolf. It will be livestreamed free.

The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., is pictured on Wednesday, June 23, 2021.
The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., is pictured on Wednesday, June 23, 2021.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer

Republicans vying to replace Gov. Tom Wolf will face off Wednesday night in the first televised GOP gubernatorial primary debate.

The GOP field is large and growing, with more than a dozen people who have declared they will run. Attorney General Josh Shapiro is so far running unopposed on the Democratic side. The debate tonight includes 13 GOP candidates.

Harrisburg has been divided for seven years between a Republican-controlled legislature and Democratic governor Tom Wolf. Republicans are hoping to reclaim the governor’s mansion in 2022.

Here’s what you need to know:

When does the Pa. GOP governor debate start, and how can I watch?

  1. Date: Wednesday, Jan. 5

  2. Start time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST

  3. Location: Schlechter Auditorium at Dickinson College

  4. TV: Broadcast on PCN

  5. Free livestream: https://www.pcntv.com/

Who will moderate tonight’s debate?

The debate will be moderated by former Republican state Rep. Becky Corbin with co-moderators, Allison Coccia, the Director for Political Engagement at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, and Terry Tracy, who founded the website BroadandLiberty.com

» READ MORE: Who is running for governor in Pennsylvania?

There will be no opening statements and candidates will get 1-minute to answer questions on the economy, jobs, energy, education and governing. The moderators prepare the questions, which are not shared with the candidates ahead of the debate. Each will also get a 1-minute closing statement.

Which candidates will attend?

  1. Guy Ciarrocchi, former head of the Chester County Chamber of Commerce

  2. Pennsylvania Senate Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R., Centre)

  3. Charlie Gerow, political strategist

  4. Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale

  5. Bill McSwain, former U.S. Attorney in Philadelphia

  6. Jason Richey, Allegheny County-based attorney

  7. Dave White, Delaware County businessman

  8. Dr. Nche Zama, cardiothoracic surgeon from Northeastern Pennsylvania

  9. Melissa Hart, former U.S. Representative from Allegheny County

  10. State Sen. Scott Martin, (R., Lancaster)

  11. Shawn Berger, Northampton County businessman

  12. Jason Monn, restaurant owner and former mayor of Corry (Erie County)

  13. John Ventre, retired public affairs executive from Westmoreland County