News 12 is taking a closer look at the matchup being billed as one most competitive House races in the country.

New York's 17th Congressional District encompasses all of Rockland and Putnam counties and parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties. Both candidates are familiar faces with national name recognition.

MORE: Submit your questions for the candidates here

When Republican Mike Lawler ousted the powerful Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Sean Patrick Maloney from office in 2022 by a margin of less than 1%, he delivered a crucial victory to his party. It helped tip the balance of power in Washington, D.C.

The freshman congressman is now entrenched in one of the most intense reelection fights in the country as Republicans fight to defend their narrow House majority.

Lawler says he is bullish on his chances, thanks in part to his work across the aisle.

The Democrats think the Rockland Republican is vulnerable, and they're spending millions of dollars backing his challenger, former Rep. Mondaire Jones.

Jones used to represent the district in 2020 until the redistricting fiasco "derailed" his political calculus.

Jones decided to "switch routes," making a run for another seat in New York City that he ultimately lost to Democrat Dan Goldman.

Jones acknowledges the race is tight but believes Kamala Harris' presence at the top of the ticket will provide swing seat, down-ballot candidates like him a big boost.

This will be the first presidential election since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The Israel-Hamas war is another front-of-mind issue due to the sizable Jewish population in the district.

Learn more about the position of the candidates in their first debate - airing on News 12 next week. Tara Rosenblum will moderate the high-stakes exchange next Wednesday.