WASHINGTON – The Democratic candidates for Montgomery County executive gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda Friday to match wits and smarts in their first debate.

The hot topics included how much financial assistance Montgomery County has been able to secure from state legislators and regional transportation, including the controversial transit center in downtown Silver Spring. The candidates also debated the financial health of the county and talked about the minimum wage locally and helping the less fortunate.

The democrats running are Montgomery County Councilmember Phil Andrews, former Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan and incumbent Ike Leggett. Republican Jim Shalleck is running unopposed.

The debate lasted more than an hour.

The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce sponsored the debate, partnering with Bethesda Magazine.

The primary elections are scheduled for June 24.

WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on the WTOP Facebook page.