CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Democratic candidates for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas faced off on stage this Sunday at the Texas AFL, CIO senate candidate debate in Austin. The race will determine who will oppose Senator Ted Cruz.
Carl O. Sherman, Colin Allred, and Roland Gutierrez had the chance to have their voices heard at the debate.
3NEWS spoke with a local candidate in the race about why he believes he should be the one to face off against Sen. Cruz.
Former Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez wasn't at the debate but has been actively campaigning as a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. Candidates were asked at Sunday's debate about immigration as a central issue in Texas. He said securing the border is important.
"I have a home in Brownsville, and I can tell you firsthand, I've been on the border, I've seen the people coming over and I don't know that our infrastructure can handle all the people coming over," said Gonzalez.
Another topic at the Texas AFL-CIO debate was abortion access. Gonzalez said Roe v. Wade should be codified.
"Every woman should have a right to decide what happens with her body. I have four daughters and I don't think that any man should tell them what to do."
Candidates were also asked whether they agree with current efforts to cancel student loan debt. He said he benefited from student loans but is still paying them back after working as a lawyer for the last 17 years. He said people should get credit on their taxes based on their student loans.
"Young people need some help sometimes. Especially if they've done, you know, trying to make their lives better, got an education now in the workforce and contributing back to the economy," said Gonzalez.
When asked what makes him the best candidate to face Ted Cruz, Gonzalez said that he is a product from Texas.
He says he accomplished something in Nueces County when he was elected into office and thinks he can do that again in the U.S. Senate race.