Gubernatorial Candidate Forum – Watertown, WI | August 2nd, 2026

The City of Watertown hosted a Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on August 2, 2026, featuring candidates from both major parties discussing key state issues. While the forum primarily focused on policy debates including education funding, healthcare reform, minimum wage increases, child care affordability, homelessness, data center regulation, disability rights, public safety, and criminal justice reform, there were no direct procurement, contracting, or budget allocation decisions made during the event. Candidates outlined their visions for state government priorities and policy initiatives but did not address specific contract awards, RFPs, or vendor selections. The discussion included proposals for increased public investment in education and child care, regulation of data centers, and expansion of healthcare coverage, which could influence future state budget and procurement activities if enacted.