The policy discussion was formal, with candidates taking turns answering questions on economic uncertainty, AI, global trade, and housing affordability, to name a few topics.
The contenders were not allowed time for rebuttals or interactions on stage.
Anyone who's in this country illegally and commits a crime should be removed, I'm sorry.Ralph Alvarado, GOP 6th District congressional candidate
Neither candidate mentioned President Donald Trump by name, but Dembo repeatedly took aim at the administration in his answers. Alvarado, a Republican who has touted his Trump endorsement in campaign ads, remained mum on his party's standard-bearer, sticking to calls for less regulation, a more business-friendly environment, and more steps to countering China.
Speaking about their backgrounds, Alvarado repeatedly emphasized his experience in government, warning that sending a newcomer to Washington would make for a steep learning curve. Dembo noted his experience as a Navy JAG officer and former position as a federal civil rights prosecutor — a job he left due to changes that turned the U.S. Department of Justice into, in his words, "the president's personal law firm."
This uncertainty where trade policy is done based on tweets and tantrums... it's got to end.Zach Dembo, Democratic 6th District congressional candidate
Regarding uneasiness about trade and supply chains, Alvarado did allow some limited room for the use of tariffs.
"While tariffs can be an important tool, they should be used strategically, not as an end in themselves," he said.
"We have to be mindful of the impact that tariffs can have on our manufacturers, farmers, distillers, and other Kentucky exporters that rely on global supply chains as well. The goal should always be to change unfair behavior and strengthen America's position."
Dembo laid that uncertainty directly at the feet of the president and a compliant Congress.
"This uncertainty where trade policy is done based on tweets and tantrums, instead of any sort of responsible thought of how to protect American industry while ensuring that we're living up to the free market ideals that the United States helped create... it's got to end," he said.
On immigration, Alvarado advocated for a system that rewards lawful entry and expands worker visas.
"We can't have an immigration system where people who follow the law are put behind those who don't follow the law. Anyone who's in this country illegally and commits a crime should be removed, I'm sorry," he said.
Dembo countered by citing reporting showing a significant percentage of ICE detainees with no criminal record. He also took both the Biden and Trump administrations to task over border and immigration policy.
"The previous administration, their approach to border security at the southern border, I thought was ridiculous. As a veteran and as a prosecutor, I'll tell you this administration's approach to immigration is ridiculous, inhumane, and unconstitutional," Dembo said.
While a poll ahead of the primaries put Dembo neck-and-neck with Alvarado, other election trackers, including the Cook Political Report, expect the seat to stay in Republican hands.