Incumbent Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen and Republican challenger Sam Brown sparred over a variety of topics Thursday night in their only showdown in the key battleground state of Nevada.
The KLAS-sponsored discussion covered issues ranging from immigration to abortion to recent UFO research.
Both candidates were asked about immigration, which is the biggest election issue for voters across the country this season.
Asked if he supported former President Donald Trump’s idea of mass deportations, Brown said he supports “securing our borders from day one” and supports the former president’s policies on the issue.
Sens. Sam Brown and Tulsi Gabbard look forward to supporting Nevada women’s volleyball team amid SJSU trans drama
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) walks to the weekly Senate Policy Luncheon at the Capitol on June 25, 2019 in Washington, D.C. (Tom Brenner)
The Republican blasted Rosen on the issue, saying the senator’s “neighborhoods are safer than the border.”
When asked about the border, Rosen said he supports passing bipartisan border legislation and claimed President Trump is playing a “political football” on the issue.
Candidates were also asked whether they support more transparency regarding UFOs and unidentified flying objects, and debate organizers noted that Nevada has a number of such sightings.
‘It’s not doing anything’: Senate Republicans look to criticize Democratic opposition for failing to hold Biden-Harris accountable on key issues
“I think I’m just as curious as anyone else. I want to know what’s going on,” Brown said. “I’m not sure we can fully trust Congress to figure this out. Maybe Elon Musk can.”
Nevada Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sam Brown attends a Hispanic roundtable with Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump at the Beauty Society in North Las Vegas on October 12, 2024. (Ethan Miller)
Rosen, who is seeking a second term in the Senate, said he believes it is “important that there be an independent investigation.”
The candidates discussed energy issues.
Mr. Brown linked energy and the economy, suggesting Mr. Rosen is prioritizing green energy projects that are driving up costs.
But the Democratic senator touted the green energy policies passed under her leadership.
Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) speaks during a press conference at the East Vegas Library on June 16, 2023. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Brown said he would not vote for a nationwide abortion ban and supports Nevada’s current state law on the issue.
When asked if she supported any restrictions on abortion, Rosen said, “I support Roe v. Wade.”
The discussion ended with questions regarding the issue of biological male participation in women’s sports. On Wednesday, Brown joined players on the Nevada Wolfpack women’s volleyball team who refused to play against the San Jose State Spartans because of the program’s biological male players.
“I can say that every student-athlete has a right to fair competition and a level playing field,” Rosen said, adding that “parents, coaches, He added that he supports the league.
She poses with Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown (left), Nevada Sen. Thea Lilly, and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (right). (Sam Brown Campaign)
Brown criticized Rosen’s response, calling it “disgraceful.”
“What we just heard is a politician say he doesn’t know enough about this issue,” the Republican said. “I do not support biological males participating in women’s sports.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The two candidates did not clash throughout the night, agreeing to support no tax on tips, Israel’s right to self-defense, and affordable housing.
Aubrey Spady is a writer for Fox News Digital.
