A fiery debate between Republican Keith Rothfus and Democrat Mark Critz was held Tuesday night.

The two are running for the newly-formed 12th Congressional District.

About 150 people gathered on the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown's campus Tuesday.

Both candidates agreed it was a good exchange.

One has spent the past two years in the House filling a seat, and the other has spent the last two trying to win one. 

The 12th Congressional District debate featured incumbent democrat Mark Critz and his challenger Keith Rothfus. 

Critz is a familiar face to the area who is trying to gain ground south and west. 

"I can tell you that Beaver [and] Lawrence is a lot like Cambria [and] Somerset. It's very similar demographically, and I really feel at home there. I mean, their issues are very much the same; it's economic development, it's areas that have seen better days," Critz said.

Rothfus is a Pittsburgh-area native who's trying to showcase his family values.

"I am very concerned about where the country is heading. I'm a private sector citizen. I'm a dad raising six kids and became alarmed in 2009 with the debt," Rothfus said.

Both candidates talked foreign policy, job creation, energy, education and healthcare.

Obamacare being a key issue that divides both candidates. 

"We have to repeal Obamacare because it's been a wet blanket on the job market since day one," Rothfus said.

"I think that what they got to see about my opponent is that the repeal of Obamacare is going to solve all the world's problems, and obviously that's not the case," Critz said.

Both are pro-gun and pro-life, but in three weeks, these two are vying for your vote on the ballot. 

"I'm doing this job for the people of this district and every decision I make, whether, I have to fight my own party or if I have to fight the other party, it's all based on what's best for this area," Critz added.

"We have to go in a new direction; not one that favors big government, but one that creates the conditions for the private sector to flourish," Rothfus said.

Although there have not been many public polls regarding this election, sources from inside both campaigns believe the margin will be very tight up until election day.