The candidates for Texas’ U.S. House District 23 faced off Thursday in the only debate of the campaign, hosted by KSAT-12.
Republican Congressman Will Hurd and Democratic challenger Pete Gallego touted their legislative accomplishments, accused each other of being too partisan, and discussed issues including health care, veterans and border security. Former CIA agent Will Hurd said national security is the top issue in District 23.
"People are concerned that they can walk into a mall or a grocery store and get blown up by a terrorist. They’re concerned about a porous border. And they are worried about the future security of their children," Hurd said.
Hurd continued, saying he thinks a border wall is an appropriate tool to be used in certain places along his district’s border with Mexico. Former Congressman Pete Gallego said he hears voters talking about one issue more than others.
"It’s actually economic security. Economic security because people are worried about their continued ability to put food on the table. People are worried about their continued ability to put their kids through college," Gallego said.
Thursday’s KSAT debate was the only one that both of the candidates in this toss-up race agreed to. Will Hurd’s campaign declined or ignored requests from several other outlets—including Texas Public Radio.
You can watch the entire debate in the video window below.
