In a fiery exchange during a recent New Hampshire debate, tensions flared between congressional candidates as they tackled issues of wealth and tax policy.

Republican Lily Tang Williams took aim at Democrat Maggie Goodlander -- who is married to Biden White House official Jake Sullivan -- by citing her wealth and her alleged inability to relate to everyday Americans, sparking a broader debate on economic policies and personal backgrounds, as Fox News reports.

The debate, held on Thursday evening, became a platform for both candidates in New Hampshire's 2nd District to argue their economic visions.

Goodlander opened the evening by accusing her opponent of promoting policies that favor the wealthy, which Williams countered by highlighting her opponent's substantial personal wealth.

Accusations Fly as Candidates Clash Over Wealth

Goodlander, who has advocated for a middle-class tax cut, defended her position by criticizing the current tax policies that she claimed benefit corporations and the rich.

Williams responded by questioning Goodlander's ability to relate to everyday citizens, citing her estimated wealth of between $20 million and $30 million.

"You are wealthy. How do you know about regular people's suffering? Do you go shopping? Go to Walmart? Buy food?" Williams challenged her opponent during the debate.

Candidate Backgrounds Come Under Scrutiny

Both candidates also discussed their personal backgrounds, which are markedly different. Tang Williams, a Chinese immigrant, shared her story of arriving in the U.S. with just $100 and eventually becoming a U.S. citizen in 1994.

Her narrative emphasized a self-made path to success, contrasting with Goodlander’s inherited wealth, mostly contained within a trust fund.

Financial disclosures indicate that Goodlander’s net worth ranges from $9.9 million to $39 million, derived largely from a trust, while Williams’s net worth is between $3.8 million and $8.6 million.

Political Dynamics in the 2nd District

The candidates are vying for a seat vacated by Democrat Rep. Annie Kuster, with the election set for the upcoming Tuesday. Polls show Goodlander leading by eight points, positioning her as the favorite in a district closely watching this heated race.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has lent his support to Williams, describing her as a "phenomenal success story" that reflects American ideals.

Debate Highlights Differences in Fiscal Policy

Throughout the debate, Goodlander reiterated her belief in supporting the middle class through tax relief, opposing what she perceives as failed policies favoring the wealthy. "I believe that the middle class deserves a tax cut, and I believe that we will do a lot for this country by ensuring that we don’t continue this disastrous tax policy," she stated.

Williams, on the other hand, criticized Goodlander for allegedly masquerading as a renter to gain political favor, claiming her opponent had only recently pretended to be affected by high rents in Nashua before deciding to run for Congress.

Personal Attacks and Political Strategies

"You pretend you are poor, and complain rent is so high," Williams accused, highlighting the perceived disconnect between Goodlander and the constituents she aims to represent.

This accusation points to a larger strategy by Williams to paint her opponent as out of touch, leveraging her own life story as a contrast to Goodlander's more privileged background.

Election Nears as Candidates Make Final Pitches

As the debate wrapped up, both candidates made their final appeals to voters, emphasizing their differing approaches to governance and economic policy. The discussion underscored the stark contrasts between their political ideologies and personal experiences, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched election conclusion.

With the election just days away, New Hampshire voters are left weighing the merits of two very different candidates, each arguing that their unique background and policy ideas are what the 2nd District needs.