Rep. Mike Lawler and Mondaire Jones go head-to-head in the News 12 debate

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Mondaire Jones faced off in a debate on News 12 Vote 2024 on Wednesday.

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Mondaire Jones faced off in a debate on News 12 Vote 2024 on Wednesday.

The candidates are vying to represent New York’s 17th Congressional District, which includes Rockland and Putnam counties. It also includes parts of Dutchess and Westchester counties.

Lawler Jones traded jabs and attacked each other’s records in Washington, DC

“Mondaire Jones is a radical far left, he was the third most progressive member of Congress and joined The Squad,” Lawler said.

“He is not the bipartisan he claims to be because he would support a bipartisan border security bill that he is currently blocking, even as we experience the refugee crisis in New York state,” Jones said.

The candidates were asked a variety of topics based on viewer questions, including public safety, abortion, foreign policy, housing and affordability.

Most experts consider this race to be one of the most competitive and consequential House races in the country. The winner will likely have a say in which political party controls Congress next year.