Greg Abbott, Lupe Valdez face off in Austin debate

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.

Valdez argued teachers have are underpaid, overworked and shouldn't be carrying a gun.

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.

According to several notable polls, Abbott leads by a double digit margin.