Four out of the seven Republicans running for governor in Virginia met Sunday in their first debate, covering topics ranging from education to law enforcement to the economy, with each promising to turn back liberal Democratic policies and end a GOP losing streak.

The debate, sponsored by the Virginia Faith and Freedom Coalition and The Family Foundation of Virginia, was held at Life Church in Colonial Heights, less than two weeks before the state Republican Party’s nominating convention on Saturday, May 8.

Delegate Kirk Cox said his three decades in the House of Delegates and his career as a public schoolteacher make him the most qualified candidate to lead the state and to be able to work from Day One to reverse what he called “bad Democratic policies” put in place since Democrats won majorities in the House and state Senate two years ago.

“I don’t want to see us become California,” he said.

Glenn Youngkin, former co-chief executive of The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, called himself “a political outsider” and said his business experience makes him the most qualified candidate to rebuild the state’s economy and reinvigorate the state’s education system after many schools were shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I can get things moving. I can get things done,” he said. Mr. Youngkin sharply criticized a proposal being considered by the state Department of Education to eliminate advanced diplomas for high school students.

“Friends, our children should be allowed to be in the fast lane, not in the broken down lane,” Mr. Youngkin said. “We must introduce competition now.”

Peter Doran, a former think tank executive, said he has the strongest vision for making Virginia “the best” state in the country. Mr. Doran said if elected governor, he will completely phase out the state income tax.

Mr. Doran also said he would eliminate the use of any public funds for abortion and make Virginia the first state in the country to provide paid bereavement leave to parents who suffer a miscarriage.

Delegate Cox said he was skeptical the legislature would agree to eliminate the state income tax.

“My political read is I don’t see the votes there for that, and I want to get things done as governor,” Delegate Cox said.

Sergio De la Peña, a retired Army colonel, portrayed himself as a leader who could bring people together and draw Hispanics, Asians and other immigrants to the Republican Party.

“I am that immigrant community,” he said.

Mr. De la Peña also promised to reopen the economy by reducing taxes, regulations and spending.

“As soon as I’m your governor, everything opens back up,” he said.

Three GOP candidates did not participate in the debate, including firebrand conservative state Sen. Amanda Chase of Chesterfield, who said during a candidates’ forum last week that she would be in Florida this weekend to seek the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Sen. Chase

said on Facebook Sunday that she met the former president and got a “fist bump” from him. She did not mention an endorsement, but said she’s meeting with former President Trump’s chief of staff later.

Entrepreneur and marketing executive Pete Snyder, founder and former chief executive officer of New Media Strategies, cited a previous engagement, while former Roanoke Sheriff Octavia Johnson declined an invitation to participate, said Lauren Fulcher, executive director of the Virginia Faith and Freedom Coalition.

Republicans will choose their nominee at an unassembled convention, while Democrats will winnow their field in a June primary. The Democratic field includes former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, former Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, state Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, Delegate Lee Carter and Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax.

Racial justice advocate Princess Blanding is making a third-party bid.