Presidential visits to Dutchess County are extremely rare. The last time a sitting commander-in-chief was in the area was more than two decades ago.

Just one month ahead of the crucial mid-term elections, technology and politics took center stage Thursday in the Hudson Valley.

News 12's Tara Rosenblum got to speak with President Joe Biden and asked him if he had a message for the Hudson Valley.

"America is back," he said. "It's amazing!! The Hudson Valley is back."

Biden was touting the expected economic boom from a historic investment announced at IBM's Poughkeepsie campus Thursday.

In addition to job growth, the president talked about microchips, the incredibly tiny yet complex circuitry that powers nearly all electronics - from cars to smartphones.

The chip war is reshaping world politics. On Thursday, the battles lines were drawn right through the Hudson Valley - ahead of the high-stakes, closely watched elections in November.

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney called it a home run for the Hudson Valley.

Maloney said the president's announcement is a major gamechanger for the newly redrawn 17th Congressional District he is fighting to represent against Republican Assembly Member Mike Lawler.

In the 18th Congressional District, which includes Poughkeepsie, newly elected Rep. Pat Ryan is running neck and neck against another GOP Assembly member, Colin Schmitt.

After losing a special election to Ryan, Republican Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro will also make a return to the ballot in November in the race for the new 19th Congressional District - against Ithaca Democrat Josh Riley.

"This is 100% a political visit," said Molinaro. "We are always happy with job growth - but here in the Hudson Valley, we want to the president to know we are also concerned about rising inflation, sky-high crime and good paying jobs that deserve his attention as well."

Most Republicans who News 12's Tara Rosenblum reached out to agreed, and said they are still predicting a red wave this November, chalking Thursday's event up to politics.

Biden left the Hudson Valley and was off to a pair of political fundraisers in New Jersey and a stop in New York City.

MORE: President Biden visits IBM to announce $20B investment in Hudson Valley