Rep. Mike Lawler kicked-off his reelection bid for New York's 17th Congressional District at Elks Lodge 877 in Haverstraw on Sunday.

"I ran, and I'm running now, to actually accomplish things," Lawler said. "More than anything else, I wanted to restore faith in government."

Lawler, a Republican, is running against former Rep. Mondaire Jones, a Democrat, who previously served one term.

Many say the race between the two candidates is going to draw national attention and will be one of the most closely watched Congressional races in the country.

However, Lawler said he is confident in his plan to retain his seat this election cycle by "representing the needs of this community."

At the event, News 12 asked some of people why they plan to support Lawler. Rivkie Feiner said she's supporting Lawler because of "his fight about antisemitism and his support for Israel."

Meanwhile, John Resciniti said he's standing by the Republican congressman for another reason.

"Well, being that I'm a vet that's number one," Resciniti said. "Then, basically, everything else, as long as he's a MAGA supporter and believes in what Mr. Trump is trying to do, I'm for him 100%."

On Lawler's website website, his biography said he's taken a bipartisan and "pragmatic approach to government."

However, Jones' campaign issued a statement to News 12 suggesting otherwise.

"In his short term as a member of the MAGA Republican majority in Congress, he has voted for radical, anti-choice legislation multiple times," Jones said.

After the campaign event concluded, Lawler said he planned to continue his reelection efforts at a Haitan Heritage Parade in Spring Valley.