Washington, D.C., mayoral candidates Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie squared off in their first debate Wednesday, offering different visions on housing, public safety, and economic development eight weeks before the Democratic primary.

The debate marks the first faceoff in the race to succeed Mayor Muriel Bowser, who announced she will not seek a fourth term after nearly a decade leading the district. Lewis George and McDuffie have emerged as leading contenders in a crowded field. Both are veterans in Washington politics and serve on the Council of the District of Columbia, with Lewis George representing Ward 4 and McDuffie representing Ward 7.