Local reaction to the Senate debate… Hear from both Republicans and Democrats

The top 4 candidates in California's Senate race to fill the seat held by the late Dianne Feinstein will face off in a live debate tonight.

Locals watched and shared their perspectives.

News Channel 3 - What issue stood out the most and impacts the Coachella Valley the most?

David Weiner (Chair - Desert Stonewall Democrats): I think the two issues that really stood out for me were immigration. And also the pollution that is coming in at the border. When there are severe rainfall events, which we have had several times this year. I think that it's something that the current administration is trying to address and needs to address on both fronts, both the immigration and wastewater pollution that's coming in as a result from these antiquated plants that need to be upgraded.

Joy Miedecke (President- East Valley Republican Women Patriots): I think the Democrats want to give everything away for free. And that's a big problem. And they didn't really address any of the issues as far as the border or anything else goes. They just cover it all up. Whereas Steve Garvey was willing to say how we really felt about the Constitution, and what our beliefs are and what we need to honor and obey. And that's our Constitution. And the Democrats aren't doing that at all.

News Channel 3 - Did anything surprise you during tonight's debate?

Weiner: I think that what continues to make an impression on me is the Republican front-runner not really addressing and answering the questions that are being posed to him. This is two debates now where it's been clearly asked if he would be voting and supporting Donald Trump as his candidate for president, and he has not answered that. And I think that you know, you guys, voting is a personal choice. But when you are running for office to represent the largest state in the United States Senate, you do have, I think, a responsibility to tell the voters of this state where you stand on important issues. So they can make a decision on whether they want to support you or they want to support one of the other candidates.

Miedecke: A lot of lying. We get sick of the lying, but there was a lot of lying. And the Democrats need to tell the truth. California has gone down and down and down since the Democrats have been in charge of our state. So it's, it's time for that to be over. It's time to elect Republicans who will actually take care of the state, support the state, and make sure the state doesn't go bankrupt or our state's about to go bankrupt.

News Channel 3 - How are you encouraging people to vote?

Weiner: So we're doing everything we can to ensure that people know that the election is coming up in less than four weeks, that it's a very important election and is not one just to sit out.

Miedecke: We are always open for people to come and get help with their ballots. We also help them get the ballots to where they belong.

Adam Schiff, Steve Garvey, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee were spared over several issues.

The debate was carried live on CBS Local 2 at 7 p.m. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing "your vote" 2024 election coverage all year long.