It's one of the hottest races of the summer – the Democratic primary for state Senate in Brooklyn's 26th District.

News 12’s Kurt Semder sat down with state Sen. Andrew Gounardes and challenger David Yassky to discuss the issues important to them as primary day approaches.

Gounardes, who won close elections in both 2018 and 2020, is standing by his record. He says he's had many bills passed that directly affect people's quality of life – including an expansion of the speed camera program and making CUNY schools more affordable.

Yassky, a former member of the City Council, says he's ready to make the tough decisions to help the community in the long-term.

"We have to be willing to invest, not just dollar investments, but make hard policy changes that are difficult but will have long-term benefits," he said.

One such issue is the future of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, which runs the length of the district and needs improvements.

They also both agree that plans for the Brooklyn waterfront will be a priority in the immediate future.

As for their thoughts on each other:

Yassky: "This is not somebody who is going to challenge the leadership in the legislature to get issues on the agenda that most politicians would look to avoid. We're gonna have to do that in these next couple of years."

Gounardes: “I think the biggest difference between us is that I'm doing this job right now and that the people who represent the communities that he used to represent are all supporting me in this election."

Early voting is currently underway. Primary day is Tuesday, Aug. 23.