Rep. Steve Israel's retirement has left two familiar politicians vying for his seat in the 3rd Congressional District.

Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from Glen Cove, served as Nassau County executive for two terms, but lost his re-election bid in 2009 by less than 400 votes. He lost by a wider margin in 2013. Three years later, Suozzi says he still believes in the country and politics.

"I think the big problem is this whole idea that people are just down on politics and government...when that happens, nothing gets done," says Suozzi.

His opponent, Republican Jack Martins, is a three-term state senator and former Mineola Village mayor. The Old Westbury resident says the country is heading in the wrong direction.

"The economy is flat-lining. Jobs are non-existent. The Affordable Care Act is a disaster. Our foreign policy has become a real concern to most people," Martins told News 12 Long Island. "We just can't keep hitting on these same failed policies and expect a different result."

Both candidates say they want to restore the public's trust in elected officials.

The two candidates for the 3rd Congressional District recently squared off in a debate at News 12's Woodbury studios.