NISKAYUNA, N.Y. (WRGB) —

The two candidates vying for a spot in New York’s 46th Senate District squared off in a heated debate at the CBS6 studios in Niskayuna on Thursday evening.

Republican Martha McHugh is looking to unseat incumbent Democrat Pat Fahy. The district covers parts or all of Albany, Schenectady and Montgomery counties.

The debate, which lasted just under an hour, spanned youth crime, utility costs, data centers, immigration, housing and state spending.

McHugh talked about her Albany background and experience.

“I’m a New Yorker, born here, raised here in the Pine Hills. I went to Albany City Schools, Albany High, SUNY Albany,” she said.

Fahy acknowledged she is from Chicago but chose to raise her family with her husband, Wayne Bequette, in Albany.

“My children also went to the schools in here in the Capital Region. And I’m [a] proud, New Yorker and proud of my roots as well,” she said.

Both candidates were first asked about how to tackle juvenile crime. Fahy said it should be done through prevention and improving school attendance.

“If children are not in school, they cannot learn and they’re out on the streets when we need them in the classroom,” she said.

She also argued homeschooling needs more scrutiny when it comes to chronic absenteeism.

“If you’ve had chronic absenteeism, you should not be able to look at homeschooling without having more eyes on you,” Fahy said.

Fahy pointed out legislation she introduced involving flare guns.

“If the parent is the one who enabled that child to buy the flare gun or to buy any other type of weapon when the parent is culpable,” she said.

McHugh said it breaks her heart to see chronic absenteeism at Albany High School.

She called for stronger engagement from parents and community organizations, plus student mentorships.

“We need to invest in the community and create community networks,” she said.

“I don’t believe that parents should be charged,” she added.

Both candidates acknowledged the current high cost of utilities.

McHugh called on immediate action from Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“I would ask Governor Hochul to immediately issue a moratorium to hold the utility rate hikes,” she said.

McHugh also said energy infrastructure needs to be expanded, with a look at nuclear and natural gas, blaming a mandate from Governor Hochul.

“If you are assuming everything should be electric, the very first thing you need to do is create abundant and affordable electric,” she said.

Fahy argued energy policy requires a broad strategy and a multipronged approach.

“We also need to make sure that we are focused on energy independence,” Fahy said.

“The Strait of Hormuz should not be dictating what gas prices are,” she said.

Both candidates said they support New York state’s temporary pause on hyperscale data centers.

“I think it’s unfortunate that New York State hadn’t done more to prepare for data centers,” McHugh said.

“We need to make sure our water is protected,” Fahy said, also vowing to make sure ratepayers are protected and saying legislation should include guardrails.

The candidates were also asked about Albany and Schenectady’s fiscal stress.

Fahy said she’s an optimist about what’s being done to help, saying the largest increase in aid to municipalities was passed this year.

“A $400 million investment in capital to help rebuild downtown Albany,” Fahy said.

Meanwhile, McHugh said she opposes state bailouts, calling for a financial control board to be instituted.

“The state shouldn’t just be a bailout ATM machine,” McHugh said.

McHugh criticized reliance on temporary federal funds and said safety and business growth must come first.

“Until we make the city safe, we’re not going to have people coming back to the city,” she said.

Both candidates were divided on how much New York state should help Immigration & Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

Fahy drew a distinction between pursuing criminals and broader immigration enforcement and criticized ICE operations.

“The problem with rogue ICE agents, that they are mostly rogue. They’re terribly trained,” Fahy said.

“The vast, vast majority of ICE arrests have been for those who have no criminal record,” she said.

McHugh framed the issue around legal immigration.

“They are so proud to be Americans. They followed the rules,” McHugh said, arguing against New York’s policies.

“New York State made a choice to be a sanctuary city,” McHugh said.

Both candidates agreed there must be more housing, but differed in their approach as to how it should be done.

“We absolutely must grow housing in this state. We have put billions of dollars into all levels of housing,” Fahy said.

“I supported the governor, launched a pro-growth housing initiative, especially around transit-oriented development,” she said.

Meanwhile, McHugh countered that some developments could really change the look of the community.

“You would allow those builders to go up three, four or five stories. That changes the landscape of a more rural area like Glenmont,” McHugh said.

“We have to have housing, but it has to be done right,” she said.

Both candidates were asked if the state should intervene after describing lead found in Fonda water samples.

Fahy said the state has spent hundreds of millions of dollars every year on water infrastructure spending, and Fonda should not be overlooked.

“We also have mandatory testing in all of our schools for lead.” “We are trying to step in, especially with loans that have no interest cost and more,” Fahy said.

McHugh countered that with spending priorities.

“We’re looking at having mandatory electric buses, but we haven’t resolved the drinking water,” she said.

“Less spending, more results is what I want to see for New York State,” she added.

“I asked for more time on those buses, but we do need to convert this system,” Fahy said.

“We have a spending problem. We have a priority problem,” countered McHugh.

Both candidates quickly touched on AI, acknowledging they use it sometimes.

“I use artificial intelligence to gather information, I question it. It’s been an interesting tool,” McHugh said.

Fahy also said she uses AI through Google searches.

“I rarely ever use chat boxes, but I share the concerns on AI and many, many fears

, many fears,” she said. “It will help us on one level, but lots of abuses.”

The two also found some common ground on Waymo autonomous vehicles. Both said more needs to be done with testing.

“We need a pilot. I have talked about one pilot here in Albany and Rensselaer as a small pilot, I do not support Waymo being authorized statewide,” Fahy said.

McHugh said a pilot might be appropriate but named another transportation priority.

“I don’t disagree with Senator Fahy on this, that a pilot program may be in order,” said McHugh. “For transportation, we have other priorities. We need to redo the bus station in downtown Albany.”

The candidates were also asked what should be done with the land Albany’s Central Warehouse sits on. The long-abandoned structure is expected to be demolished by sometime in 2027.

Fahy tied it to state investment and the larger 787/canal revitalization effort. She said she sees lots of potential.

“That is why we need capital money. Because it will drive money right on top,” she said.

McHugh said the first priority right now is to get the building down.

“I hope to see it come down and I hope to see economic development opportunities there.”

However, she said it’s too early to go beyond that.

“Reimagining 787 is premature,” said McHugh. “It’s not a bad idea, but it’s a $9 billion project that will take millions of years.”

The candidates ended the night by summarizing their campaigns, with Fahy talking about what she’s accomplished and McHugh saying it’s time to make a change.

“Make no mistake, the Capital Region, because of some of the investments that we have made, whether it’s in downtown or housing in Amsterdam for veterans and more, or in Canajoharie to transform the Beech Nut Factory site. We are seeing a difference,” Fahy said.

“New York is at a critical crossroads. We know New Yorkers are frustrated. The highest tax burden in the nation. Rising utility rates. We have an opportunity to make a change here. We’re on the wrong track. How can you not consider a different approach?” McHugh said.

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