CAMBRIDGE, Md. — A debate between U.S. Rep. Andy Harris and Democratic challenger Dan Schwartz grew contentious Tuesday as audience members repeatedly interrupted the candidates during a forum attended by more than 150 Eastern Shore residents. The League of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore hosted the Oct. 13 event, where questions submitted by residents covered issues including deportation efforts and the poultry industry, aging bridges and offshore wind. The sharpest exchange came when the candidates were asked about the Trump administration’s reported deal with Russian leadership involving diesel and sanctions. Schwartz condemned the move, saying it was wrong to ease sanctions while Russia was working with Iranian forces against U.S. troops. He also linked it to what he described as a pattern of pardons for people convicted of crimes. Harris began his response by saying diesel prices had risen and blaming Democratic environmental regulations. Audience members laughed and shouted over him. Harris accused them of tolerating free speech only when they agreed with a speaker and called the interruptions rude. Glenna Heckathorn, the league’s Mid-Shore president, asked both candidates to encourage civility. Schwartz urged those present to let residents hear from both candidates. Harris said his supporters had not disrupted Schwartz. Schwartz also criticized Harris over federal reductions to health care, food assistance and Chesapeake Bay funding. He argued that cuts to farm-bill assistance would hurt hungry children across the district’s 11 counties, and said the district’s representative should serve constituents rather than the president or wealthy supporters. Harris, who is seeking a ninth term, pointed to more than two decades in Congress and said he had secured support for local fire companies, water towers, wastewater systems and a hospital. The candidates found common ground on two questions. Both opposed livestreaming executions, an idea federal officials are considering for Nidal Hasan, who was convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. They also rejected a proposed state constitutional amendment that would change the standards for drawing Maryland’s congressional districts. The measure, listed as Question 3 on the November ballot, has drawn criticism on the Eastern Shore, where opponents say it could be used to redraw Harris out of the state’s sole Republican-held congressional district. Schwartz said Democrats should win the seat in an election rather than through new district lines, and said he believes he can prevail by focusing on cost-of-living pressures and uncertainty caused by federal cuts. Harris represents Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, which includes the Eastern Shore. The forum offered voters a direct look at the candidates’ competing arguments on federal policy and the state’s proposed approach to redistricting.