Gov. Kathy Hochul chose the reliably Democratic stronghold of Mount Vernon Wednesday to give one of her final pitches to voters ahead of Election Day. She even took a few minutes to catch up one-on-one with News 12's Tara Rosenblum.

When asked about her predictions about the race, Hochul replied, "We feel very optimistic. I’ve been in 14 elections, local government, county, Congress. This is when the energy really peaks."

With most polls showing the governor running neck-and-neck with her Republican challenger Rep. Lee Zeldin, Hochul was eager to paint a stark contrast of their political records during the conversation.

"Someone who denied the presidential election, opposes women's rights to choose," said Hochul.

Rep. Zeldin continues to pound the Democrats, accusing them of doing too little to fight crime – the biggest issue among New York voters.

Gov. Hochul slammed one of his proposals that involves arming teachers to prevent more school shootings.

"It's actually shocking to think that a candidate for governor of the state of New York wants to arm every classroom and teacher. That's going to be a disaster," she says

Hochul told News 12 her plan is back more common-sense measures that Zeldin is opposed to.

"I want to make sure no teenager...can have access to a military-style weapon. Lee Zeldin is opposed to that," says Hochul.