At a time when affordability remains a top concern for many Americans, Republican Congressman Nick LaLota says he has worked to save Long Islanders money through legislation and tax relief measures.

LaLota, a two-term Congressman and member of the House Appropriations Committee, pointed to policies he says have helped residents keep more of their income.

“Cutting tax on tips, overtime, Social Security, the quadrupling of the state and local tax deductions. The hallmark for us Long Islanders who got that bill passed that saving people $3,000,” LaLota said.

However, his opponent says many Long Islanders continue to struggle with the cost of living.

Democrat Chris Gallant is a former air traffic controller who left that job to run for Congress. He is also a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the Army National Guard and a volunteer firefighter.

“People are looking for change. They're so tired of the status quo of what's going on in this country,” he said.

“I think I bring this new kind of change and people are excited for it,” he added.

Gallant’s campaign drew national attention last month when the New York Post published photos of the openly gay candidate from years earlier showing him posing in leather straps and collars for a bondage gear company. Gallant ultimately embraced the controversy, which led to a series of national headlines and interviews.

“I think we navigated it as best we could,” he said.

“That has no bearing on my ability to run into a burning building, has no bearing on my ability to serve my country in the Army National Guard,” he added.

Meanwhile, LaLota, a U.S. Navy veteran, says Long Islanders are best served by returning Republicans like him to Congress. He argues they can help combat what he describes as socialist policies emerging in New York City and elsewhere.

“We here on Long Island don't want that. We want to be a firewall of freedom for good things. Here on Long Island, for New York State and for the country,” he said.