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House and Senate candidates in the two Legislative District 26 races participated in separate debates Tuesday night at Flowing Wells High School.

Vying for two House seats are Republicans Vic Williams and Marilyn Zerull and Democrats Nancy Young Wright, the incumbent, and Don Jorgensen. Competing for a Senate seat are Democrat Cheryl Cage and Republican Al Melvin.

The district, which historically has leaned Republican, covers the Foothills, Oro Valley and parts of Marana in Pima County. It also runs through SaddleBrooke in Pinal County.

At the Citizens Clean Elections Commission debate, candidates responded to questions previously submitted by audience members on topics such as the state economy, education, illegal immigration and taxes.

Candidates agreed the ailing state budget, as well as education funding, would be a top priority if elected.

To view videos of the debates, go to www.azcleanelections.com.

Here's how the candidates stand on some issues:

Zerull: In favor. Says competition would improve education.

Williams: In favor. "I support our public education system. I believe in choice."

Young Wright: Against. "I don't agree with using vouchers for private schools."

Jorgensen: Against. "We need to fund the public education system in a way that provides equal opportunity for all students."

Melvin: In favor. Said parental school choice and competition would benefit education.

Cage: Against. In using vouchers, "What you're doing is taking direct money out of the public system."

Zerull: "It's important that we enforce the immigration laws that we currently have … which we haven't done in many, many years."

Williams: "The state of Arizona needs to continue to implement and enforce quality illegal- immigration law."

Young Wright: Favors having a "compassionate conversation" about it. "It's costing us money, but these are human beings — they're not cattle or animals."

Jorgensen: Favors comprehensive illegal-immigration reform, including a guest-worker program. "Look at this as an economic opportunity."

Melvin: Said illegal immigration is "the biggest issue facing the state" because Arizona pays for related costs that include education, hospitalization and incarceration. "We need to get control of our borders."

Cage: Said employer-sanctions law is a good start, but said it's a federal responsibility. Promised to work for federal reimbursement of costs related to illegal immigration that the state incurs.

Zerull: In favor. "We need to have an amendment to protect that institution, which is the foundation of our society."

Williams: Against. State law already protects marriage.

Young Wright: Against. It's unnecessary and a "wedge issue."

Jorgensen: Against. "The real threats to marriage are abuse, addiction, adultery."

Melvin: In favor. Existing laws are "not enough to protect it from activist judges."

Cage: Against. If all citizens can't attain their civil rights, "We will never fulfill our true potential as a society."

Zerull: Would make sure facilities are adequate. "It's the responsibility of the state … to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate."

Williams: The state needs to ensure services at the highest possible level.

Young Wright: Explore partnerships in the community, including putting nurses and social workers in schools, to address the problem.

Jorgensen: Said there is a need for legislation requiring parity for mental-health coverage, which is often not enough or is non-existent.

Melvin: Said he would review existing programs and work to increase services, including those in the private and faith-based sectors.

Cage: Said having more mental-health professionals in schools would be a big step.