How one NYC suburb could decide which party controls the House

The question of which party controls the House majority for the latter half of President Donald Trump's term could come down to a group of suburbs just north of New York City.

Rep.

Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., the first Republican to represent the area in roughly 40 years, is facing off against Democrat Army veteran Cait Conley in his bid for a third term in New York's 17th Congressional District.

The expected close margins and dwindling number of battleground districts mean the race has garnered national attention, but Lawler is accusing Conley of ducking national-level debates.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS AIM TO TURN DEMOCRATIC CIVIL WAR INTO MIDTERM WEAPON "It is, you know, vitally important for the voters in my district to hear from us — and I think, frankly, nationally, folks would benefit from it because it's one of a handful of seats that really is going to make the difference and decide control of Congress," Lawler told Fox News Digital.

"So, to me, if you're running for public office, you should be able to stand on your own two feet and answer the questions from reporters, but moreover, make the direct and compelling case to voters about why you should be elected." Lawler said he challenged Conley to six debates after she won the primary to take him on, but that she has so far agreed to only two that are hosted by local networks.

When reached by Fox News Digital for comment, Conley's campaign confirmed that she agreed to two debates with Lawler and accused him of running cover for fellow Republicans.

"Mike Lawler will do anything to avoid delivering for his constituents, like last week, when he went on CNN to defend domestic abuser Max Miller.

While he continues to act like a spoiled brat begging for more national air time to lie about his record, Cait is focused on hearing directly from voters, who are sick of being represented by a career political hack and ready for someone who puts country over party," Conley's communications director, Maddy Rosen, said.

"Cait looks forward to their two scheduled televised debates where she will hold Mike Lawler accountable for failing the Hudson Valley, voting with Trump 100% of the time, and being a spineless, self-serving politician." Lawler said her refusal to agree to more debates showed that Conley was "not prepared" for the House and accused her of not even residing in the district she's running to represent.

Conley's communications director did not address the claims of her residency, but the candidate's website touts her as a "fourth-generation Hudson Valley native." Lawler was born and raised in the district.