Last night four of the five Democratic candidates met in a virtual discussion on several social media platforms to present their respective visions as they run for Governor of Virginia.

Del. Lee Carter (50th), former Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, state Sen. Jennifer McClellan and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax took part in the event, which was hosted by Virginia People’s Debates as well as other political, racial justice, climate and advocacy groups.

Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe declined to participate. McAuliffe said in a statement to The Associated Press ahead of the event that since launching his campaign, he has “been speaking directly with Virginians about my big, bold plans to rebuild our economy, create a more equitable Virginia, and move our Commonwealth forward.”

The event was among the first opportunities of the campaign season for the public to hear from most of the Democratic field in a race considered the country’s marquee political contest of the year.

Carter, the state’s lone elected Democratic socialist, sought to distinguish himself as a pro-worker crusader and outlier even among the Democratic field.

“I think over the last two hours, we’ve heard some wonderful answers from all the candidates. But one thing that I have tried to make clear is that my perspective on issues is entirely different from the rest of the field,” said Carter.

McClellan said that she does not believe employment should be conditioned on whether someone is or is not in a union but that as governor she would work to get rid of “anything that is standing in the way of organizing and collective bargaining.”

Democratic voters will choose their candidate in a June primary, months ahead of the November general election. State law prevents Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam from seeking reelection.

Republicans, who last won a governor’s race in Virginia in 2009, have opted to winnow down their crowded field of contenders through a convention with remote voting at dozens of sites around the state. The GOP’s approach emerged from months of confusion and infighting.

On the Democratic side, all the candidates – including McAuliffe – have committed to participating in four more upcoming televised debates being organized by the Democratic Party of Virginia, the first of which is April 6. The video of last night’s debate can be viewed here.