SAINT PAUL, Minn — With just weeks remaining before Election Day , three of the five candidates vying to lead Minnesota’s capital city sparred over topics including economic development, housing, affordability, homelessness, immigration and basic city services in a wide-ranging debate on Tuesday.

Incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter, seeking a third term, faced pointed criticism from opponents DFL State Rep. Kaohly Her and business owner and scientist Yan Chen. While Carter defended his record and positioned his administration as innovative and nationally recognized, both challengers accused him of being unresponsive and out of touch with residents’ day-to-day concerns.

Carter highlighted a range of accomplishments, including a reduced homicide and other violent crime rates and investments in

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