The candidates vying to represent Washington in the U.S. Senate went head-to-head over affordability, immigration, foreign policy and fentanyl at a debate in Spokane on Oct. 9.

Democratic incumbent Maria Cantwell and Republican Raul Garcia, an emergency room physician from Yakima, met at Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center for a debate sponsored by The Spokesman-Review in partnership with Gonzaga University, KSPS, the Black Lens and Washington State Debate Coalition.

It was the first debate between the two candidates. They will face off again on Oct. 17 in a debate hosted by the League of Women Voters of Washington and KIRO 7.

Garcia, who has been a doctor for 26 years, hopes to replace Cantwell, who has held the position since 2000.

As of July, the most recent filing with the Federal Election Commission, Cantwell has raised more than $11.7 million and spent more than $5.2 million. Garcia has raised nearly $597,000 and spent about $428,000.

During the debate, voters heard how different their views are. Here’s a look at where the candidates stand on four key issues this election.

Affordability and inflation

Both Cantwell and Garcia agree that Americans face high costs, but their approaches to reducing those costs vary.

Cantwell said she wants to move production back to the U.S. to strengthen the supply chain. She also said she wants to continue fighting to lower the cost of prescription drugs by negotiating prices at the federal level and building more affordable housing.

“I know things still cost too much,” she said.

Cantwell also reiterated her support for the Inflation Reduction Act’s major investments, which she said have helped reduce high costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Garcia disagreed with her description of the legislation, which he said only resulted in Washington residents paying more and getting nothing in return.

Garcia said the federal government needs to review its spending and cut programs that are considered expensive and ineffective. Funds cut from these programs should be returned to citizens who can spend them in their communities and stimulate the economy, he said.

Fentanyl and homelessness

Addressing the growing number of fentanyl overdoses was a priority for both candidates.

Garcia wants to push legislation that would impose felony charges and significant prison sentences for fentanyl dealers, while also requiring that those with a substance abuse disorder receive treatment.

“This is a crisis and we have to make tough decisions,” Garcia said. “You need an iron fist, you need to put an end to this, otherwise we will lose our country.”

In her response, Cantwell highlighted her efforts to create “health engagement centers” across the country. These hubs offer accessible drop-in services and free treatment resources. Lawmakers funded two of them last year. The health centers are the best way to combat the crisis, Cantwell said, citing research from the University of Washington that found this method can reduce overdose deaths by 68%.

Cantwell also noted her work on legislation to increase funding to combat international drug trafficking at the U.S.-Mexico border.

When asked about fighting homelessness, Garcia quickly brought his answer back to fighting drug addiction. He said the state must first focus on drug rehabilitation and mental health services before providing housing to people living on the streets.

“The third step is housing, not housing first,” he said. “That’s why it was so ineffective.”

Cantwell pushed back.

“It’s a misconception to think that every homeless person does drugs,” she said. She added that the country needs to focus more on housing to cater to the homeless population.

abortion

Cantwell has made protecting access to abortion and reproductive health a key issue for her since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade repealed and introduced legislation to codify abortion access, protect health information and improve access to contraceptives.

She said Tuesday she would not support legislation that would allow states to continue making their own decisions on abortion policy, which has resulted in a patchwork of laws.

“The confusion that exists here today is unbearable,” she said.

Garcia said he would not vote for a ban on abortion because he believes it could leave doctors unable to perform life-saving procedures in the event of miscarriages or other complications. He said he would continue to support legislation legalizing abortion because that’s what voters in Washington want.

“I’m not asking you to trust every Republican. I ask you to trust me,” Garcia said. “I will defend this state every day as a pro-choice state.”

Immigration and border security

Garcia is an immigrant who came to the United States from Cuba when he was 11 years old. He said he will always advocate for immigrants, but there needs to be more leadership and discipline at the country’s southern border.

“If you come to this country to commit crimes, you are out,” he said.

Cantwell boasted of her voting record for bipartisan immigration policy and said she supported providing a legal process for seasonal workers from Mexico, which many Washington farms rely on. She added that she would continue to push for more money for border security, but criticized former President Donald Trump and other Republicans’ rhetoric regarding immigrants.

“Demonizing the backbone of who built America is not the way to go,” Cantwell said.