Two years ago, Rep. Paul Tonko defeated Republican challenger Liz Joy by more than 20 points. The two are running against each other again this year in Congressional District 20.

Tonko and Joy hold major differences in positions on several topics, including inflation and the economy.

Tonko, who was first sworn into Congress in 2009, stands by legislation like the American Rescue Plan and the Chips and Science Act.

“With the bills that we have done over the last session of Congress, in the 117th session, I have heard many times over, even in Washington, that it’s been one of the most productive sessions of Congress in about 40 years,” said Tonko.

Joy disagreed, saying people she has spoken to are not feeling any relief.

“Do you think that the people in the Capital Region are feeling relief from any of these bills that have been passed? I mean, the people that I’ve talked to, I say OK, has your grocery bill gone down? Are you paying a lot less for your gas? Has your savings increased?” said Joy.

Another hot topic has been crime, with both candidates offering different solutions.

“The ban of assault weapons would go a long way, and we don’t need weapons of war to be in the hands of our children and to make certain that background checks are there as a safety measure for all purchases,” said Tonko.

While bail reform is not a federal issue, Joy believes judges need to be given more discretion. She also wants to partner with law enforcement.

“We partner, and I am that partner with law enforcement, again, making sure that they have staffing, making sure they have training and making sure that they have all of the equipment that they need to do their jobs, and that includes our border security,” said Joy.

Early voting is underway through Nov. 6. Election Day is Nov. 8.