NISKAYUNA, N.Y. (WRGB) —

A debate at was held on-one at CBS6 Tuesday evening with the Republican nominee for New York’s 21st Congressional District, Anthony Constantino. The Democratic nominee, Blake Gendebien, was invited but said he had prior engagements and could not attend.

During the interview, Eschen asked Constantino whether he would push Congress to play a bigger role in the rollout of tariffs and whether he would make any changes.

Constantino said he has developed a great relationship with President Donald Trump and wants to use that relationship to fight for the people of New York’s 21st Congressional District.

“I want to commend the president for fighting for us to have a fair trade with Canada,” said Constantino. “They unfairly tariff us. But this is a fight between politicians. I want to help bring that negotiation to a prompt resolution, get things done for the citizens.”

Constantino said he was leaving the interview and heading to Canada.

“I’m actually leaving here and heading straight to Canada to meet my friend Ricky Berwick, to understand more about this issue and to work on building a better relationship with Canada,” said Constantino.

The discussion also turned to energy policy and campaign support.

“We’re for drill, baby, drill. We’re for developing American energy. The Democrat Party’s for Chinese solar farms,” said Constantino. “In fact, Blake Gendebien is backed by the Chinese solar lobby.”

Constantino also said dark money would be used to support his opponent.

“It just announced that dark money is going to come in. Dark money backing Chinese solar is going to come in to support my opponent,” said Constantino.

When asked who made the announcement, Constantino responded:

“You guys are gonna have to look up the exact PAC,” said Constantino.

The interview also touched on Iran and whether military action would be a short-term or long-term solution.

“Again, President Trump wants to end a war in Iran, but we want to protect the American people,” said Constantino.

Constantino said he has advocated for Trump and his approach to foreign policy.

“President Trump. I’m the guy that advocated for Trump, for peace. And by and large, President Trump has created peace,” said Constantino. “He secured the border, which has saved countless lives. Millions of people are pouring into our country illegally. When President Trump secured the border, he stopped all that. With that, he stopped human trafficking, murder, all sorts of horrible things that are happening along the border. He’s also stopped eight wars.”

Constantino added:

“Sometimes you got to make an investment to get long-term, lasting peace. He may develop long-term, lasting global peace through his actions in Iran, and I want to support him in getting that done,” said Constantino.

Eschen noted during the segment that the claim about “eight wars” has been disputed.

Viewers can watch the full one-on-one interview on the CBS 6 Albany YouTube page and at CBS6Albany.com.

CBS6 is also hosting a debate for Senate District 46 between Republican Martha McHugh and incumbent Democrat Patricia Fahey. The debate will air live at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, on CBS 6 and CBS6Albany.com.

Later this month, CBS6 will host a debate in the race for New York’s 20th Congressional District between Republican Ralph Ambrosio and incumbent Democrat Paul Tonko. That debate will air at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21.