ATLANTA — Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson faced questions from undecided voters Tuesday night in their only town hall debate before Georgia’s Nov. 3 governor’s election, laying out contrasting proposals on affordability, health care, education and privacy. The hourlong debate at Assembly Studios touched on issues with direct consequences for household budgets and local communities, including utility costs linked to data centers, access to insurance and the use of automated license-plate cameras. On taxes, Bottoms said she would suspend Georgia’s grocery tax. Jackson promised to cut the state income tax during his first term, saying he would not seek another term if he failed to do so. Asked about wages, Jackson emphasized creating high-paying jobs, while Bottoms pledged to raise the state minimum wage and create a path back to technical college. Health care was a point of sharp disagreement. Bottoms renewed her support for expanding Medicaid and criticized Jackson over his business interests. Jackson said he wanted to expand coverage without sacrificing $4.5 billion the state receives, and proposed technology to help patients compare health care prices. Both candidates said insurers should not be able to deny coverage: Jackson promised to challenge insurance companies, while Bottoms said companies that deny coverage should not be allowed to operate in Georgia. The candidates also differed over data-center development. Bottoms called for pausing new construction and criticized Jackson over alleged investments in the sector. Jackson denied owning or investing in data centers. He said he would approve projects only if the local community supported them, environmental standards were met and nearby consumers received discounted utility bills. On privacy, both expressed concern about Flock automated license-plate cameras. Bottoms backed a pause on new installations, while Jackson opposed a moratorium, citing the possibility of increased crime. He said the cameras can produce good outcomes but should have safeguards against misuse. Bottoms said government agencies that misuse technology should be held accountable. Education proposals included Bottoms’ pledge to raise starting teacher pay to $60,000 and support free technical college. Jackson said he would reduce administrative burdens on teachers and introduce students earlier to engineering and technical careers. On services for children with special needs, Bottoms emphasized support for families and staffing; Jackson cited his experience with children in foster care and called for expanded health services. On mental health, Bottoms said patients should be directed to appropriate professionals and pointed to services she prioritized as Atlanta mayor. Jackson argued that sheriffs should not be expected to serve as mental health providers, while stressing public safety. Both candidates said Georgia needs more mental health services. Their approaches to federal policy also diverged. Jackson said he would work with whoever is president to secure federal funds. Bottoms said the state may need to fill gaps following federal cuts and pledged to sue the federal government when necessary. The exchange followed a question from a voter who said federal funding cuts had cost her a job. In closing, Bottoms voiced concern about President Donald Trump’s comments on elections and backed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and making Election Day a holiday. Jackson praised Gov. Brian Kemp’s voting laws and said Georgia’s recent elections had been secure. Bottoms accused Jackson of supporting a National Guard deployment for the next election; Jackson denied it. The Republican Governors Association and Democratic Party of Georgia each claimed their candidate won the debate. The parties’ statements also underscored the campaign’s national political divide, with Democrats criticizing Jackson’s ties to Trump and Republicans attacking Bottoms’ record as Atlanta mayor. Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 13-30, ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3.