Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and GOP nominee Kari Lake engaged in a heated debate, focusing on key issues such as immigration and abortion. The candidates wasted no time in attacking each other during the hour-long event.
Gallego accused Lake of dishonesty, claiming she misled Arizona about her 2022 election loss for governor. In response, Lake criticized Gallego for what she described as a shift from a progressive House member to a more moderate candidate.
Immigration policy took center stage during the debate, with Gallego emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to border security. He highlighted the need for a border wall, along with technology, manpower, and supportive legislation. Lake, on the other hand, defended her opposition to a bipartisan border security bill, suggesting that Gallego was more concerned with semantics than actual security.
On the topic of abortion, Gallego pledged to uphold the standards set by Roe v. Wade, while criticizing Lake for her past support of Arizona's 1964 abortion ban. Lake expressed her belief that abortion should be a state-level decision, indicating her willingness to respect the outcome of Arizona's upcoming abortion initiative.
Both candidates made clear their positions on federal abortion policy, with Lake stating her opposition to a federal abortion ban and the use of federal funds for abortion services.
The debate underscored the sharp policy differences between the two candidates, setting the stage for a closely watched Senate race in Arizona.
