LUMBERTON, Texas — Three candidates running for State Rep District 18 faced off in a debate Monday night, hours before early voting begins.
The candidates debated at the Candlestick Baptist Church in Lumberton. The seat covers Hardin, Liberty, San Jacinto and part of Montgomery Counties.
Last week Governor Greg Abbott decided not to endorse incumbent Ernest Bailes and endorsed Janis Holt instead.
RELATED: Candidates for District 18 State Representative meet voters at Lumberton forum Monday evening
One of the hot button issues in the race is the future of abortion in the State of Texas. All three republican candidates support the state's crackdown on abortion.
Bailes says he cowrote the "trigger bill", which could lead to doctors and medical staff facing criminal prosecution for performing abortions.
"We passed the most restrictive laws that have been passed in the State of Texas. The state is fighting a lot of those in the federal court, we will have to give those time to go through the process to see how best we can address those after that," said Bailes.
Holt says adoption laws should be strengthened to give more kids homes and she agrees with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade.
"This is a state's issue, so every state should make that decision. It shouldn't be a national issue. I am against abortion personally unless the life of the mother is being threatened," Holt said.
Missick has been a pastor for 10 years in Cleveland, TX. He says his faith guides his beliefs.
"I believe what Jesus taught and the apostles taught and I think the biblical message for abortion is clear. That everyone is in the image of God. Every life is sacred and life begins at conception and we need to advocate for biblical values and protect the innocent," he said.
The church sponsored the debate. Other topics included property taxes, education and the Colony Ridge community in Liberty County.
Candidates will have to get past the primary election on March 5, before making it to the ballot in November.
Early voting starts February 2 and ends March 1. For a full schedule and more information, check out out voter guide here.