ATLANTA — The two leading candidates for Georgia governor faced off in their only scheduled debate, taking questions on issues ranging from the economy and education, to public safety, data centers, and Flock cameras.

Republican nominee Rick Jackson and Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms met in a town hall-style debate hosted by Atlanta News First as the race enters its final month.

The candidates criticized each other over their backgrounds and political ties. Jackson took aim at Bottoms’ record as Atlanta mayor.

“Bad mayors don’t make good governors,” Jackson said.

Bottoms criticized Jackson over his ties to President Donald Trump.

“I will stand up to Donald Trump, I’m not running to be his favorite governor,” Bottoms said.

Jackson said his focus would remain on Georgia.

“My number one priority is Georgians, it’s you, and I will stand up to anybody,” Jackson said.

The candidates also addressed the cost of living and the economy. Jackson said his plans focus on job training and creating new opportunities in the workforce.

“Because I want to show people how to get out of poverty just like I did,” Jackson said.

Bottoms said she would push for a higher minimum wage of up to $15 an hour.

“That living wage should be applied across this state,” Bottoms said.

On public safety, Jackson said he would not remove police when communities need protection.

“I will never abandon you by pulling out the police when you need the protection the most,” Jackson said.

Bottoms pointed to her record as Atlanta mayor.

“I gave law enforcement their largest pay increase in the history of Atlanta,” Bottoms said.

The candidates were also asked about Flock cameras. Bottoms said she would support a potential moratorium on new installations.

“We need to make sure that we are taking a comprehensive look as to how we move forward as a state,” Bottoms said.

Jackson said he does not support a pause but understands concerns about privacy.

“The Flock cameras should be used to enforce the law, not to abuse it,” Jackson said.

Both candidates said clear safeguards are needed.

Recent polls have given Jackson a slight edge over Bottoms, though the gap is within the margin of error. Georgia has not had a Democratic governor since Roy Barnes left office in 2003.

Bottoms previously served as mayor of Atlanta and later as an adviser in the Biden White House. Jackson is a businessman who started his own healthcare services company. He defeated Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Republican primary.

The governor’s debate comes ahead of another major matchup on Georgia’s midterm ballot. Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican challenger U.S. Rep. Mike Collins are scheduled to meet for the first of two debates Thursday night.

Early in-person voting begins Oct. 13. The midterm election is Nov. 3.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.