Democrat Rep. Tom Suozzi and Republican challenger Mike LiPetri faced off in a News 12 Vote 2024 debate Tuesday. The two candidates are seeking to represent New York's 3rd Congressional District in Nassau County and Queens.

The candidates clashed over local issues, including affordable housing, and national topics like the US-Mexico border.

Suozzi touted his record as a moderate. LiPetri often went on the attack, portraying his opponent as a career politician aligned with Gov. Kathy Hochul and President Joe Biden.

A particularly contentious moment came when the candidates discussed the issue of housing. When LiPetri spoke about the importance of single-family homes, he was challenged by Suozzi to name a location in the district where new single-family homes could be built. Suozzi took the unusual step of ceding his time to LiPetri, urging his opponent to identify where new single-family homes could be constructed.

The race for the 3rd Congressional District could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tom Suozzi currently holds the seat after defeating Republican Mazi Pilip in a special election earlier this year. The special election came following the expulsion of George Santos, who has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft.