CHARLESTON — The major candidates for governor of West Virginia remain supportive of a debate despite one venue canceling.

Democrat Steve Williams said in a release Tuesday morning he was disappointed “after learning that the much-anticipated gubernatorial debate scheduled for Oct. 30 on WOWK-TV has been canceled.

“We agreed to the WOWK debate, and would agree to other debates hosted by other legitimate media outlets as well,” Williams said. “It doesn’t sound like Patrick Morrisey (Republican nominees for governor) wants to have that kind of free exchange of ideas.”

The candidates have been discussing details such as where, the format and sponsors for a debate.

“AG Morrisey is looking forward to debating his Democratic opponent this fall. We’ll be finalizing details in the near future,” said Jonathan Ewing, a spokesman for Morrisey’s campaign.

WOWK didn’t say why the debate could not be held, Michael Plante with the Williams campaign said. Plante said he received a text Tuesday morning “saying they would be unable to do the debate.”

A comment from the TV station was requested and it released a statement on its website.

“WOWK was hoping to conduct a gubernatorial debate on Oct. 30 airing across West Virginia on five Nexstar stations. Invitations went to all five candidates along with the qualifications necessary to participate,” WOWK said. “At this point, we have been unable to reach an agreement with the candidates and we are unable to schedule the debate.”

Five candidates are running for governor: Williams, Morrisey, S. Marshall Wilson of the Constitution Party, Chase Linko-Looper of the Mountain Party and Libertarian Erika Elier Kolenich.

Early voting in West Virginia begins on Oct. 23 and ends Nov. 2. Election day is Nov. 5.

The winner will succeed Republican Gov. Jim Justice, a U.S. Senate candidate who has said he will not debate Democrat nominee Glenn Elliott, the former mayor of Wheeling.

The Williams campaign thought the debate at WOWK was set, Plante said. MetroNews contacted the campaign about a debate for Oct. 29, he said.

Williams remains committed to a debate, but who the legitimate news organization invites is up to it, Plante said.

Williams in the press release called for multiple debates through to Election Day.

“I want to be clear. The people of West Virginia deserve a robust and honest debate of the issues. With so much at stake in this election, the voters have the right to hear directly from both candidates about our vision for West Virginia’s future,” Williams said.