LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Democrat Sen. Morgan McGarvey and Republican Stuart Ray, who are running to represent Kentucky’s 3rd Congressional District, faced off in a debate hosted by The Louisville Forum Wednesday. 

McGarvey pointed to his work in the Kentucky legislature over 10 years, including passing 18 bills. 

He said "our democracy is on the ballot" in November. 

"Women’s rights are on the ballot this fall," he said. "Progress is on the ballot this fall. Let’s make the decision to keep Louisville and our country moving forward."

Ray, a businessman who calls himself a "political outsider," said he was motivated to run because of trends like record-high inflation. 

"People are worried about their hometown," said Ray. "People are worried about the grocery store, the prices that are going skyrocketing in the grocery store, the gas prices that are still way too high."

On the issue of abortion, McGarvey called for Congress to codify Roe v. Wade.

"When the legislature gets involved in these types of personal decisions, when the Supreme Court takes rights away from women, it does not end in a good result," he said. 

Ray said the U.S. Supreme Court made the right call in overturning Roe v. Wade.

"Personally, I am Catholic and I am pro-life in my personal life," he said. "I do think it should be a state issue. I think that brings it back closer to the people at hand, and now they can decide on it."

The two candidates agreed that Kentucky should legalize medical marijuana, that climate change is real and that the cost of tuition is too high. 

On the issue of student loan forgiveness, McGarvey said it was a "good first step," but called for more investment in public universities. 

Ray questioned the fairness of canceling the debt.

McGarvey has the endorsement of incumbent Congressman John Yarmuth (D), while Ray has the support of the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police. 

The election is set for Nov. 8.