Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D) have taken part in the first and only debate in the race for Texas governor.

Topics of the debate included immigration, crime, abortion and gun violence. Although there were clearly large divides between the two, there was little opportunity to show the contrasts.

Limited to 15, 30 and 60-second responses, the two candidates ended up calling out the other for “lying” instead of mapping out their plans.

On gun violence, Abbott said new a gun control bill could not become law because of a recent Supreme Court decision to invalidate a strict New York firearms law. O’Rourke discussed his push for “red flag” laws for gun buyers and promise to fight for abortion rights after the overturning of Roe V. Wade.

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This marked the first time Abbott and O’Rourke officially debated each other though they had a memorable exchange when O’Rourke confronted the governor ar a press conference after the Uvalde school shooting.

The Texas gubernatorial election is set to take place on November 8.

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Max Kerwick

Article by Max Kerwick