Kellen Curry, a Republican challenger to embattled Rep. George Santos spoke to News 12's Joe Arena Tuesday - a day after Santos announced his run for reelection.

Curry says his campaign will restore public trust in government after Santos admitted to lying about parts of his background and education.

"Honest leadership is on the ballot - effective representation is on the ballot," Curry said. "The people of this district will have an opportunity to choose a different direction, and I think they will choose us. I'm confident about that."

Curry also told News 12 that he is focused on fixing Long Islander's concerns about crime.

"We gotta get back to a place where police and community relations are positive," Curry said. "I'm committed to doing that work and that's the first step. And once we do that, we can think about job creation and growing the economy."

Curry, an Afghanistan war veteran, say he will also focus on national security especially with respect to Russia and China.