Nevada Senate candidates take on trans athletes, immigration and UFOs in one debate

Democratic incumbent Sen. Jacky Rosen and Republican opponent Sam Brown clashed over a range of issues Thursday night in their one and only showdown for the crucial battleground state of Nevada.

The debate, hosted by KLAS, addressed issues from immigration to abortion as well as recent UFO investigations.

Both candidates were asked about immigration – a major election issue for voters across the country this cycle.

When asked if he supports mass expulsions, an idea floated by former President Donald Trump, Brown said he supports “securing our border from day one” and supports the policy from the former president on the issue.

SENATE HOPES SAM BROWN AND TULSI GABBARD SHOW SUPPORT FOR NEVADA WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM AMID SJSU TRANS DRAMA

Senator Jackie Rosen (D-NV) attends the weekly Senate Policy Luncheon June 25, 2019 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Tom Brenner)

The Republican attacked Rosen on the issue, saying the senator's “own district is more secure than our border.”

When asked about the border, Rosen said she supports passing bipartisan border legislation and claimed Trump was playing “political football” on the issue.

The candidates were also asked about UFOs and their support for more transparency about unidentified flying objects, with debate moderators noting that Nevada is home to many allegations of such sightings.

'DID NOTHING': SENATE GOP HOPES TO TEAR DEM OPPONENT FOR NOT HOLDING BIDEN-HARRIS ACCOUNTABLE ON KEY ISSUE

“I think I'm as curious as anyone. I'd like to know what's going on,” Brown said. “I'm not sure I completely trust Congress to figure this out. Maybe Elon Musk can.”

Sam Brown, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Nevada, attends a Hispanic panel discussion with Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump at the Beauty Society October 12, 2024 in North Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller)

Rosen, who is seeking a second term in the Senate this cycle, said she thinks “it's important that we do our independent investigation.”

The candidates clashed on the question of energy.

Brown linked energy and the economy, suggesting that Rosen prioritize green energy projects that increase costs.

The Democratic senator, however, touted the green energy policies adopted under her leadership.

Sen. Jacky Rosen, Democrat of Nevada, speaks during a news conference June 16, 2023 at the East Vegas Library. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Brown said he would not vote for a national ban on abortion and supported Nevada's current state law on the issue.

When asked if she supported limits on abortion, Rosen replied: “I support Roe v. Wade. »

The debate ended with questions on the issue of biological males competing in women's sports. On Wednesday, Brown joined players on the Nevada Wolf Pack women's volleyball team who declined to play the San Jose State Spartans because of the program's biological player.

“I can tell you that all student-athletes deserve to have fair competition and a level playing field,” Rosen said, adding that she supports “parents, coaches and governing leagues,” when it is deciding whether biological males should compete in women's sports.

GOP Senate candidate Sam Brown, left, poses with Sia Liilii of Nevada, center right, and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii. (Sam Brown Campaign)

Brown called Rosen's response “shameful.”

“What we just heard was a politician saying she doesn't have enough knowledge on this issue,” the Republican said. “I will not support biological males participating in women’s sports.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The candidates did not clash all evening, with both agreeing on their support for no taxes on tips, Israel's right to defend itself and affordable housing.