Wisconsin voters in key counties prepare to watch 1st presidential debate between Harris and Trump

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Voters in Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties will be watching the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Political experts across the state continue to emphasize the important role of three counties in the upcoming presidential election: Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington. They are commonly referenced as the WOW counties. 

The WOW counties have traditionally been known as Republican strongholds. However, in 2016 and in 2020, more people voted for Democrats than they had in previous years. 

Ahead of the debate, we spoke to people with varying political opinions in these communities. While they have different perspectives of how the country can be won, they agree that the WOW counties could be where Wisconsin is fought and won come November.