News 12 is taking a look at New York's 17th Congressional District, one of the most watched races ahead of next week's election. 

The newly drawn 17th Congressional District contains northern Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and part of Dutchess counties.

Democratic Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney is facing first-term Republican state Assemblyman Mike Lawler.

An upset in this race could factor into the balance of power in the House.

Lawler says tackling crime is a huge priority.

"Since cashless bail took effect, we have seen a rapid rise in crime - 40% of those released on non-monitory bail for felony offenses have been rearrested," he says. "This is a crisis."

He hopes to defeat Maloney, who represents the current 18th Congressional District.

Earlier this week, the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was in Bedford standing with Hudson Valley law enforcement leaders, touting his record on sending resources to police departments.

"Every good strategy I know and every good reform I know takes more money, you are going to have to invest in this stuff because there is also equipment, training and the kinds of things that go into working this problem," said Maloney. 

Maloney also wants to codify abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"My concern is that my opponent is going to vote with the MAGA guys in Washington to take away reproductive freedom," says Maloney.

"He's been lying about my position to voters. I am personally pro-life," says Lawler. "But I am opposed to a national ban on abortion. I've said that repeatedly this is better left to the states and in the state of New York abortion is legal."

In a district that leans Democratic, Lawler says if elected he will work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

"I feel good about the fact that voters all across this district regardless of party, regardless of ideology, they want change and thats what I represent," says Lawler.

Maloney says his record in Congress makes him the clear choice.

"I've passed 45 bipartisan bills into law," says Maloney. "You go out and do the work that people need done and that is how you build a relationship and trust and that is how you get things done."