Long Island would play a central role in the party that controls the House of Representatives

LONG ISLAND (WABC) — When you say the word “battlefield” you probably think of the Rust Belt or states like Georgia and Arizona.

When it comes to Congress, the battlefield is in your backyard.

Long Island would play a central role, with the party ultimately controlling the House of Representatives.

Currently, Republicans control the House of Representatives with 220 voting members, compared to Democrats’ 212.

On Long Island, three of four counties, including parts of Nassau and Suffolk, are controlled by Republicans.

In the traditionally blue Northeast, Democrats think they can flip some of those seats.

From Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Uniondale to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in Hempstead, you can see how important Long Island’s congressional races are by looking at the big names who hit the campaign trail.

Democrat and former Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen is challenging freshman Republican Congressman Anthony D’Esposito in the race in New York’s 4th District.

It’s a rematch from two years ago and could be the most controversial race on Long Island.

“We have already knocked on 90,000 doors and we will continue to knock until November 5,” Gillen said.

A Newsday Siena College poll released last week shows Gillen with a 12-point lead over the incumbent president.

She may also have seen a boost in a New York Times report accusing D’Esposito of putting his fiancée’s daughter and mistress on the same payroll, costing taxpayers nearly $30,000.

“There is certainly no scandal. There is no story. It is a political hit piece and no ethics have been violated,” said Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.

D’Esposito helped lead the charge to remove disgraced Long Island Congressman George Santos from office.

He was joined by fellow Republican District 1 Rep. Nick LaLota.

“I was proud to lead the accountability effort to ensure he was removed from office so that voters had a legitimate opportunity to elect someone who would fit that seat.” said LaLota.

LaLota is in a tight race with former journalist John Avlon.

“I just saw this election, especially with the re-election of Donald Trump after January 6, as one of those moments when citizens need to stand up, roll up their sleeves and get into the arena,” Avlon said.

While Democrats hope Avlon and Gillen can flip their districts from red to blue, it will be a much more difficult task in District 2, a Republican stronghold, where Rep. Andrew Garbarino is seeking a third term.

“I think what’s happened in Albany and New York City in recent years under Democratic control has caused people, not just on Long Island, but in the Hudson Valley, in New York State and even in the city , started voting for Republicans because they want change,” Garbarino said.

His challenger is 29-year-old entrepreneur and Democrat Rob Lubin.

“It’s been in the red for a long time. What do you think of this challenge of a possible uphill battle?” asks Eyewitness News reporter Chantee Lans.

“I feel good. I feel good and this is why Long Island can swing and has done so in the past,” Lubin said.

That leaves District 3, the only one on Long Island currently controlled by a Democrat.

Tom Suozzi holds the seat after winning a special election following the ouster of George Santos.

He is running against Republican Mike LiPetri, in a district where the migrant crisis has become a major voting issue.

“My main issue is that we need to secure the border and I am building a bipartisan network to secure the border, working with Democrats and Republicans to build a coalition of business, badges and the Bible to work together to find a way forward.” Suozzi said.

“During the movement to abolish ICE, I was the one who rode with ICE to remove illegal aliens from committing heinous crimes like predation and murder.” It is important to have this kind of advocacy to keep our communities safe,” said LiPetri.