The League of Women Voters hosted the Thursday night gubernatorial debate at the Albany College of Saint Rose.

Though invitations were extended to all five candidates, one was noticeably absent.

Governor Andrew Cuomo declined to participate.

Republican candidate and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, Libertarian candidate Larry Sharpe, and former Syracuse mayor Stephanie Miner (who is running on an independent line) all took part.

The candidates addressed topics such as ethics in government, countering sexual abuse in the workplace, healthcare, the economy and gun rights.

“The Governor will be spending the final days of the campaign speaking directly with voters and helping to elect Democrats up and down the ticket,” said a Cuomo spokesperson in a statement.