LOS ANGELES — While the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump was characterized by constant tension, the gubernatorial debate on KING 5 between Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and former King County Sheriff Dave Reichert kept the tension high.

The debate began with the two candidates sparring over the issue of public safety. Ferguson proposed allocating $100 million to help Washington communities hire more police officers. Reichert immediately faced opposition to the proposal, criticizing Ferguson for serving as attorney general during the state’s exploding fentanyl problem.

“I find it interesting that after so many years in law enforcement, Mr. Ferguson suddenly recognizes that there is a crime problem, even though he has already been attorney general for 12 years,” Reichert said.

In response, Ferguson criticized Reichert’s political stance.

“(Reichert) said, ‘I’m the only public safety candidate.’ I’m sorry, I’m not going to listen to any lectures from you about public safety if you support a convicted felon for president,” Ferguson said, accusing Reichert of supporting former President Donald Trump.

It was the first of several times that Ferguson portrayed Reichert as a Trump supporter. Reichert immediately defended himself against this.

“Mr. Ferguson, you are obsessed with Donald Trump. I am not obsessed with Donald Trump,” Reichert said. “Please leave Donald Trump behind and stop your obsession.”

On the subject of abortion, Reichert stressed that he would maintain Washington State’s abortion law, which allows abortion up to the sixth month of pregnancy or longer if the woman’s health is at risk.

“If I am governor, I will support and protect abortion laws in Washington state,” Reichert said.

Ferguson reacted immediately and accused his opponent of changing her mind on the issue of women’s access to abortion.

“When you talk to people in Washington like that, you say one thing, and when you think you’re sitting behind closed doors, you say something completely different,” Ferguson said.

Tuesday’s debate came as Washington prepared to elect its first new governor in 12 years after current Governor Jay Inslee decided not to run for re-election.