Langworthy, Carle spar in NY-23 Congressional debate

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Congressman Nick Langworthy, a Republican, and his Democratic challenger Tom Carle faced off in a debate hosted and moderated by WETM News Thursday night.

Tom Carle is a former businessman who currently lives in Chautauqua County. If elected to the New York 23rd Congressional seat, it would be Carle's first time holding public office.

Congressman Nick Langworthy is currently serving his first term in the House of Representatives. He was elected to the seat in 2022, defeating Democrat Max Della Pia.

In the hour-long debate, Langworthy and Carle spent most of the time supporting, defending and characterizing their respective party's presidential nominee. When asked about issues like the economy, housing crisis, immigration and abortion, each candidate echoed their party policy.

When asked why he should be elected, Carle turned the focus on former President Donald Trump.

"I'm a guy who is going to defend democracy and I'm going to do everything I can... to keep the guardrails on if President Trump is elected," said Carle.

When asked the same question, Langworthy focused on the economy.

"I'm running for reelection to preserve the American dream for our kids and our grandkids, and I think that is slipping away every single day that we have record high inflation, barriers to the cost of living and the affordability crisis that we all face," Langworthy said.

Carle faces a steep battle if he is to win the election on Nov. 5. According to multiple election forecasting agencies, Langworthy is expected to keep his seat for a second term. Many predictors say Carle only has 1% chance of winning. The area of the 23rd Congressional District has not elected a Democrat to congress since Eric Massa in 2010, when it was under the 29th Congressional District.