Power & Politics: A recap of the debate for New York's 17th Congressional District

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler faced off against former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones in the fiery debate.

Jonathan Gordon

Oct 27, 2024, 4:31 PM

Updated 58 days ago

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For an hour, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones exchanged blows over their opponent's voting records and on issues both in district and on a national level.
The debate, the first televised between these two candidates, preceedes what is expected to be one of the closest congressional races in the nation with massive implications. With Republicans holding a narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats have been eying this district as a place to make up ground in an election year in which every tight race could determine the party that holds power in the House next year.
Lawler and Jones were asked a dozen questions, all submitted by viewers, on topics ranging from abortion, public safety, housing, the economy, the environment and more.
This weekend, News 12's senior reporter Tara Rosenblum and reporter Jonathan Gordon break down the highlights of the debate.