A new, exclusive Spectrum News/Siena College poll shows Republican John Faso leading Democrat Antonio Delgado in the race for the 19th Congressional District.

The poll, conducted from August 20-26, has 45 percent of the likely voters giving the incumbent Faso a second term.

The first time challenger Delgado received 40 percent, while 13 percent offered no opinion.

“Independents give a six point edge to Faso and that’s what makes the difference right now,” said Steven Greenberg, Siena College Research Institute pollster.

The poll surveyed 501 likely voters in the district, which covers 11 counties in the Hudson Valley, and parts of the Capital Region and Southern Tier.

It has a margin of error of 4.8 percent.

Greenberg says these numbers also show a clear gender difference in the race.

“Delgado leads among women by nine points. But Faso leads with men by 21 points,” said Greenberg.

Another question on the poll asked about the U.S. House of Representatives.

Forty-eight percent of likely voters in the 19th Congressional District say they would like the Republicans to have control of the House after the election.

Forty-three percent sided with Democrats and nine percent had no opinion.

"Independents on that question, again, side by a little bit, not by a lot, but by six points, for seeing a Republican control of the House. So this is a really closely divided district in a partisan way,” said Greenberg.

The last question on the poll asked about the job Donald Trump is doing as president.

Forty-seven percent say they approve, while 45 percent disapprove of the work by President Trump.

While this poll is only a snapshot in time, Greenberg says it’s clear millions of dollars will be spent over the next 10 weeks in a district that could swing either way.

"You’re going to get a lot of mail, you’re going to see a lot of TV ads, and every time you go on your computer, you’re probably going to see a pop-up ad for either Faso or Delgado,” said Greenberg.