News 12 is taking a closer look at a fierce rematch playing out in a true toss-up district upstate that has swung back and forth over the past several presidential election cycles - 19th Congressional District.

NY-19 is a sprawling congressional district upstate that covers 11 counties and stretches from the Massachusetts border all the way to Ithaca.

It's also home to a very tight but pivotal House race this year featuring two candidates who have squared off before.

In 2022, former Dutchess County executive and gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro beat Ithaca attorney Josh Riley by just two percentage points.

But two years later, Rep. Molinaro’s former rival is back and wants to unseat him.

If elected to serve a second term, Rep. Molinaro says his focus will be on pocketbook issues, like inflation and public safety concerns like the border crisis, which has been felt across his district.

Riley says he wants to fight for stronger reproductive rights protections.

National observers point to this race as one of the most important battles of the 2024 election, since the outcome has the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress.