MOLINE, ILLINOIS (October 1, 2026) — WQPT PBS is partnering with WTVP PBS, WTTW PBS, and Tri States Public Radio to present a series of Illinois and Iowa candidate forums throughout October.
WQPT PBS is your local source for public media programming and a place to hear directly from candidates before the November election. These programs provide viewers with an opportunity to hear from candidates and learn more about the issues facing communities throughout the region.
These programs will air on WQPT PBS Channel 24.1 and will be available for live streaming through the PBS App and at wqpt.org. Viewers should check their local cable listings for WQPT PBS channel information.
Candidate Forum Schedule
Thursday, October 1 | 7PM
Iowa 1st Congressional District
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R)**, incumbent and candidate, speaks with The Cities host Jim Mertens produced by WQPT PBS.
Thursday, October 8 | 7PM
Iowa 1st Congressional District
Christina Bohannan (D), candidate, speaks with The Cities host Jim Mertens produced by WQPT PBS.
Thursday, October 8 | 7:30PM
Illinois Senate District 36
Michael Halpin (D), incumbent and candidate, and Brad Beekman (R), candidate, speak with the Galesburg NAACP and Tri States Public Radio.
Thursday, October 8 | 8PM
Illinois 16th Congressional District
Darin LaHood (R), incumbent and candidate, and Paul Nolley (D), candidate, participate in a forum produced by WTVP PBS.
Thursday, October 15 | 7PM
Illinois 17th Congressional District
Dillan Vancil (R), candidate, speaks with The Cities host Jim Mertens produced by WQPT PBS.
Thursday, October 15 | 7:30PM
Illinois House District 71
Dan Swanson (R), incumbent and candidate, and Kermit Thomas (D), candidate, speak with the Galesburg NAACP and Tri States Public Radio.
Thursday, October 15 | 8PM
Illinois Governor
JB Pritzker (D), incumbent and candidate, and Darren Bailey (R), candidate, participate in a forum produced by WTTW PBS.
Thursday, October 22 | 7PM
Illinois 17th Congressional District
Eric Sorensen (D), incumbent and candidate, speaks with The Cities host Jim Mertens produced by WQPT PBS.
Thursday, October 22 | 8PM
US Senate — Illinois
Juliana Stratton (D), candidate, and Don Tracy (R), candidate, participate in a forum produced by WTTW PBS.
If you miss any of the candidate programs, WQPT PBS will provide another opportunity to watch them.
WQPT plans to air an afternoon block of repeat broadcasts on November 1 featuring the October candidate programs. The November 1 repeat schedule will be available at wqpt.org.
“This is what public media is all about making sure the community has an opportunity to hear from candidates and access trusted information before an election,” said Dawn Schmitt, General Manager of WQPT PBS.
Schmitt added, “This collaboration allows the community to hear from different districts and voices throughout the Quad Cities region and beyond. Sharing content among public media stations allows us to reach more viewers while also sharing resources and helping each station save funds.”
About WQPT PBS
WQPT PBS has served the Quad Cities region for 43 years, providing free, trusted educational, cultural, and informational programming over the air and through streaming. WQPT connects communities, supports educators and families, and provides PBS resources to help children learn and thrive.
