Congressional candidates ready to face-off for NY-23

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The general election is just days away, and one race WIVB News 4 is tracking is for New York's 23rd congressional district.

The district currently spans seven counties - and starting January, whoever takes office will represent nine.

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy is coming off of his freshman term in office, hoping to continue the work he's done on the Hill. During his time in office, he sat on the agriculture, oversight and rules committees - the last being a big role.

"I'm one of only nine members of the majority on that committee; it was a real honor to be put on there by the Speaker of the House," Langworthy said. "That has given me relationships with committee chairs across the House of Representatives, which are very unique for a freshman member to have."

Langworthy said his campaign this year has a major focus on taxpayers.

"The hardworking men and women that are paying the bills in this community need to be in the front seat," he said.

Political newcomer Tom Carle is ready to bring a fresh perspective to the seat.

"I feel like, in Congress, I can be the same kind of district representative - I think I can be the most effective district representative," Carle said.

The retired businessman and plant manager said his family and friends pushed him to run.

"I think, really, the ideals and cornerstones that I believe in that are the Democratic party, are really, everybody's really in favor of that," Carle said. "How we get there sometimes is what we argue about."

Carle considers himself a moderate. He said his top platforms include defending democracy, women's healthcare and reproductive rights, and what he calls sensible gun legislation.

"I think if you take reasonable people, responsible gun owners, get them together, we can come up with a consensus and build a strategy that actually works," Carle said.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting runs now through Sunday.