Gov. Abbott, Lupe Valdez face off in Texas governor's debate

AUSTIN, Texas – Republican incumbent Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and his Democratic challenger, former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, squared off in the Texas Governor's Debate Friday night in Austin.

The 60-minute gubernatorial debate, which is their only one during the race, was held at the LBJ Presidential Library on the University of Texas campus.

Abbott is a heavy favorite to win a second term. Valdez would become Texas' first Hispanic, openly gay governor if elected.

WATCH THE ENTIRE DEBATE HERE:

The first question Friday night, a reporter asked the candidates if teachers should be armed.  

Abbott responded, "The reason I support arming teachers, it was one of the proposals that came out of the three days of roundtables that I conducted." 

Valdez responded, "Teachers should be teaching.  Not being armed and being the defense."

Two of the questions centered on recovery after Hurricane Harvey. Channel 2 News Anchor Andy Cerota asked both if they would be willing to tap into the state’s rainy day fund. 

Valdez said yes and responded, "He calls a special session for bathrooms but does not call a special session when people are dying. The rainy day fund is the biggest savings account in the United States."

In response, Abbott said, "We've already spent money from the state budget that will be required to be drawn down from the rainy day fund. In a time of disaster, the governor has the authority to advance spend that money."

Abbott said a "bathroom bill" that targets transgender people isn't on his agenda if re-elected. But he stopped short of saying he would veto one if the Legislature sends it to his desk.

Abbott on Friday night was asked whether he would support another attempt at passing a North Carolina-style bill that would impose bathroom restrictions on transgender people in schools and public spaces.

Abbott went against other GOP governors in 2017 in pushing for such a bill, which was hotly opposed by Fortune 500 companies, police and sports leagues. The measure failed twice.

All questions, generated from Texas voters and the media, focused on a number of important local and regional issues, including property taxes, school safety, immigration and Hurricane Harvey relief. 

Here were the candidates' answers about the Rainy Day Fund in the wake of Harvey:

And the candidates' answers to a question about the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association:

And the two had a chance to talk about their proudest moment as a Texan:

Debate format

Around 150 supporters, with tickets, were allowed to watch the debate via television in the Bass Lecture Hall nearby.

Reporters were kept outside the debate room and will be allowed to watch the debate in a nearby work room.

There were no opening remarks, and each candidate had one minute for closing remarks.  

The two were alone, with a moderator and reporters asking questions, inside a room at the LBJ Library on the campus of the University of Texas.

Moderator Robert Hadlock of KXAN-News in Austin; KPRC2 anchor Andy Cerota; Julie Fine of KXAS NBC 5 in Dallas; Steve Spriester of KSAT 12 in San Antonio, and Norma Garcia of Telemundo 39 in Dallas asked the questions.

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