- Hurricane Helene survivor rebuilds life in Ashe County with community support
- Charlotte-based marketing agency announces $20,000 Creative Campaign Grant to help communities after Hurricane Helene
- Artists transform hurricane aftermath into hoop-inspired masterpieces at Charlotte exhibit
- NC's cost for Hurricane Helene damage is nearly $60 billion, state says
- State to develop drone program to better respond to disasters like Helene, Florence
Greg Abbott, Lupe Valdez face off in Austin debate
LEFT: Lupe Valdez on June 18, 2013 in New York City. (Michael Loccisano/Getty) RIGHT: Greg Abbott holds a roundtable discussion with victims, family, and friends affected by the Santa Fe shooting on May 24, 2018. (Drew Anthony Smith/Getty) AUSTIN, TEXAS – Democratic Candidate Lupe Valdez and incumbent Governor Greg Abbott went toe to toe in the first and only debate Friday night at the University of Texas LBJ library. Moderators touched on multiple core issues immigration, education, Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and gun legislation.
Governor Abbott held his ground on continuing to enforce strict border security.
Meanwhile Valdez argued Texas dollars need to be spent fixing the immigration system.
The first question asked was whether or not teachers should be armed, a question prompt after recent mass school shootings. Abbott talked about his roundtable discussions and said schools should decide how they plan to protect their students.
It’ll be the largest crowd for former Dallas County Sheriff Valdez who’s currently under-polled and underfunded. pic.twitter.com/y2M043a2b6
— Natalie Martinez (@NatalieOnFOX7) September 28, 2018
Valdez argued teachers have are underpaid, overworked and shouldn’t be carrying a gun.
It’ll be interesting to hear how Valdez and Abbott answer questions on immigration where the two are polar opposites on what’s best for Texas.
— Natalie Martinez (@NatalieOnFOX7) September 29, 2018
The two disagreed about what has been done and still needs to be done about Hurricane Harvey aftermath. Both candidates agreed marijuana should be accessible for medical use in Texas.
How do you feel tonight’s debate went? Who are you voting for?
— Natalie Martinez (@NatalieOnFOX7) September 29, 2018
According to several notable polls, Abbott leads by a double digit margin.