BOONVILLE — Criticism swirled around the campaign trail Thursday as incumbent Republican Sen. Josh Hawley and his Democratic challenger Lucas Kunce hit the campaign trail. Hawley held a rally in Boonville while Kunce met with supporters for a press appearance in St. Louis.
After Kunce won the Democratic nomination for Senate on Tuesday, Hawley challenged Kunce to take part in a debate against him next week at the Missouri State Fair. Hawley wants a casual format with no moderators and in front of a live audience.
Kunce hit back, challenging Hawley to several debates organized by the press, including Fox News.
While the two candidates spent most of their time criticizing the others at their respective events, they still took some time to explain their platforms and concerns.
Hawley called for tougher action against illegal immigration, a ban on transgender people participating in sporting events and support for law enforcement officials.
“The idea that we not only let 10, 12, 15 million migrants into the country, depress the wages of the working people in this state, not only that, but then also pay for them, charge the taxpayers for gold-plated Healthcare and performance – it’s crazy,” Hawley said.
Kunce, meanwhile, emphasized his intention to improve access to health care. He shared his story, as his sister was born with a heart condition, which he cites as a reason why he supports expanding health care.
“While my parents were gone, while my sister was in surgery,” Kunce said. “That’s the strength we have in our communities when we have a government that is willing to invest in us. That’s all we want: to invest in us and give us the freedom to make our own decisions and control our own lives.”
Kunce lost the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in 2022 to Trudy Busch Valentine. She then lost the general election to Eric Schmitt.
