Over the past week, Republican candidates in the race for U.S. Senate met face to face for the first time to talk issues and make themselves known in the race for U.S. Senate, while their Democratic counterparts launched their first TV ads.

State Rep. Dan Winslow of Norfolk, former U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan and former Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez took part in the first GOP debate last Tuesday night at Stonehill College in Easton. In the hour-long debate, the candidates discussed a wide-range of issues including: Roe vs. Wade, gun control, immigration, social security and issues affecting the economy.

Unlike their Democratic counterparts, the three candidates disagreed on little, with a common theme centered on the need to fix the dysfunctionality in Washington.

Democratic debates on tap

While a full debate schedule has yet to be agreed upon — the candidates are set for their first and last debates before the April 30 primary.

Markey and Lynch are set to debate for the first time on March 27 at the WCVB-TV studios in Needham at 7 p.m.

The last debate before the primary will be April 22 at the WBZ-TV studios, in conjunction with the Boston Globe and with moderator John Keller, also at  7 p.m.

Also in the news over the past week:

Lynch, Markey launch TV ads
Both Democratic candidates launched their television ad campaign. Markey focused on his support for gun control, while Lynch used his first ad to introduce himself to voters not familiar with the seven-term congressman from South Boston, reported CBS Boston.

Gomez resigns from job to focus on campaign
The Boston Globe recently reported Gomez resigned from his position as a principal at Advent International to pursue his campaign for U.S. Senate. A company spokesman told the Globe he resigned on March 2.

Rhyne joins race as write-in candidate
Brett Rhyne, former editor of the Medfield Press, is running for Senate. The Needham resident announced last week via his website Rhyne4Senate.com that he is running as a write-In candidate for U.S. Senate.

Lynch calls for raising cap on Social Security contributions
Lynch called for raising the cap on Social Security contributions at an accelerated rate. Lynch, in a statement, said he believes the cap should be increased at a more accelerated pace in order to better fund the Social Security system.