In central New York, the upcoming congressional race between the incumbent Republican and Democratic challenger is gaining significant attention as Democrats aim to secure a vital pickup opportunity in their quest to control the House in November.
The district, which includes the city of Syracuse, has undergone boundary changes that have shifted the political landscape. The addition of the college town of Cortland, where voters favored Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, has made the seat a key battleground.
The Democratic candidate, a former school teacher and state senator, is positioning himself as a moderate appealing to swing voters. He has garnered support from labor unions and taken centrist stances on key issues.
On the other hand, the Republican incumbent, a Navy veteran and tech entrepreneur, is working to maintain his support base by framing his opponent as a liberal in disguise.
The race has seen a shift from a cordial tone to a more contentious atmosphere in the final stretch, with both candidates facing allegations and engaging in negative campaigning.
The district's rejection of Trump in the 2020 election has given Democrats hope, as Biden's margin of victory would now be in double digits under the new boundaries.
Political analysts describe the district as fundamentally moderate, with a history of supporting candidates closer to the center, regardless of party affiliation.
As the campaign intensifies, voters in the district express a mix of sentiments, with some motivated by opposition to Trump and others still undecided about participating in the upcoming election.
With the race deemed as up for grabs, both candidates are vying for the support of the district's diverse electorate in what promises to be a closely watched contest.
