A pair of debates aimed at informing voters ahead of the May primary was mostly tense and sometimes personal as frontrunners in both the Republican and Democratic races for governor took the opportunity to sling attacks previously reserved for the airwaves.
On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare executive Rick Jackson sparred over the millions of dollars spent by both in attack ads. Democrats were largely unified on their agenda to address affordability through expanding Medicaid and increasing access to affordable housing.
Former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, running as a Democrat, had to answer repeatedly for his past positions as an elected GOP state leader. Candidates from both parties honed in on promises aimed to address affordability concerns, a top issue for voters this year.
Early voting continues through May 16, with election day set for May 19.