The WCVB-hosted debate ranged across immigration enforcement, abortion access and the cost of living. One point of contention was the arrest of a former Healey staffer on cocaine and gun charges. Healey defended her response; Minogue argued she should have pursued a more extensive investigation.

Housing drew competing proposals. Minogue said he would seek to address what he described as burdensome building rules by offering more funding to municipalities that change their requirements. He also blamed bureaucracy for Massachusetts ranking poorly in permitting, though the debate coverage provided no ranking or source for that claim.

Healey pointed to rising construction costs since the COVID-19 pandemic and said tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on building materials had added to the pressure. She also said the state was building housing.

The exchange put housing affordability and the pace of construction at the center of the candidates’ closing arguments. The debate also included repeated references to Trump and the effects of his policies on Massachusetts residents.