Thousands of people across New York have already cast their ballots this election season. Thousands more will voice their choice on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Here's a look at the races to watch in the Rochester area.

 

U.S. House District 23

Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy is wrapping up his freshman term in New York's 23rd Congressional District. He will take on a challenge from Democrat Tom Carle in this race.

Langworthy previously served as the head of the state Republican Party and the Erie County Republican Committee. He cut his teeth as a congressional staffer for former Rep. Tom Reynolds.

Carle said he has a diverse professional background that includes management positions in food and beverage manufacturing and human resources, as well as owning a bar. He said his jobs have taken him all over the district and country.

Originally from Broome County, Carle now lives in Fredonia with his wife and young family. He said women's reproductive rights is one of the most important issues on the ballot this year and one that is important to him personally too.

Langworthy believes his opponent and Democrats in general are focusing on abortion to distract from the real issues, including an affordability crisis.

 

U.S. House District 25

In the race for New York's 25th Congressional District race, Republican businessman Gregg Sadwick is challenging Democratic incumbent Joe Morelle.

Morelle now running for his fourth term in the House of Representatives. He wants to reduce costs for families. Morelle says he's focused on cutting the price of prescription drugs for everyone and reducing the cost of housing. He also wants to build an economy for everyone, creating more jobs in the region, and assure reproductive rights for women throughout the country.

Sadwick says the national debt is at $36 trillion and he wants to focus on stopping it from increasing. He pairs that with a focus on the economy. He says the border comes in second with the country's pesence internationally as his third most important issue.

 

State Senate District 56

The 56th State Senate seat is up for grabs this election, with incumbent Democrat Jeremy Cooney being challenged by Republican and former Gates Police Chief Jim VanBrederode. 

The 56th District of the New York State Senate is comprised entirely in Monroe County and includes the towns of Brighton, Gates, Greece, Henrietta and parts of the city of Rochester. Both candidates have had a hand in playing an active role across the community.

Cooney says his biggest points of focus will be on improving quality of life and bridging the gap between urban and suburban communities. 

VanBrederode wants to focus on cost of living and immigration.

With several large issues at hand, both candidates have found similarities in their goals — both wanting to address the ongoing issue of crime throughout the area.