Watch Live: NJ 7th Congressional Debate

Republican Rep. Leonard Lance and Democratic challenger Tom Malinowski are set to square off Wednesday night in a statewide televised debate.

Their contest, in the largely suburban 7th Congressional district in New Jersey, is among the most closely watched in the country. Democrats have tagged it as a potential pickup opportunity as part of their effort to win at least 23 seats and take control of the House.

Though Hillary Clinton narrowly won the district in 2016, the Republican Lance is seeking his sixth term.

Malinowski, a former assistant state department secretary under Barack Obama, has seen a boost in support, primarily from middle-class while women. But Lance, who has played to the middle with President Trump in office, recently won the endorsement of a prominent gun control advocacy group.

NJTV News Correspondent Briana Vannozzi will moderate the debate, which begins at 8 p.m.