Representative Tom Tiffany and David Crowley faced off on Wednesday in their only debate before the November election. The candidates discussed taxes, abortion, and marijuana at Marquette University. With polls showing a tight race, both men used this crucial event to win over voters before the upcoming Election Day vote.

The Democrat, David Crowley, and the Republican, Tom Tiffany, sparred over taxes, abortion, data centers and legalizing marijuana in their only debate before the election.

Representative Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin and David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, faced off on Wednesday over taxes, abortion and the influence of billionaires in a televised debate, their first and only one before the November election.

In Wisconsin, where statewide races are often decided by razor-thin margins, the debate was a crucial opportunity for Mr. Crowley to introduce himself to voters and for Mr. Tiffany to woo independents hesitant about his close ties with President Trump.

Polls show the candidates in a tight race less than two weeks from Election Day. Democrats hope to keep the governor's mansion in their party's hands -- and possibly flip control of both the State Senate and the Assembly from Republicans to Democrats.

Here are four takeaways from Wednesday night's debate, which was held at Marquette University in Milwaukee and hosted by a local news station, WISN 12.

Tiffany shied away from President Trump.

Early in the debate, Mr. Tiffany, who was endorsed by President Trump, did not directly answer when asked how voters could trust him to represent their interests when he is so closely aligned with the president.

Mr. Tiffany is one of the most conservative members of Congress, known for his strong support for gun rights and lowering taxes and his opposition to using taxpayer money for abortions.

Subscribe to The Times to read as many articles as you like.