With Election Day a little less than a month away, Republican mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis ventured into Democratic territory Sunday morning, trying to sway black voters in Harlem.

The Staten Island lawmaker addressed the mostly-Democratic congregation at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, which is known as one of the most storied in the city for the black community.

Malliotakis made an appeal to the African American community, asking them to vote for her instead of de Blasio.

The state assemblywoman spoke about a variety of issues, including improving public schools, the homeless crisis, and preserving Harlem's history, saying people in the neighborhood are being forced out.

"New York City is becoming too expensive to live in," Malliotakis said to the congregation. "Neighborhoods are seeing open space, properties on our public housing — NYCHA —are being given to developers who are building luxury —luxury, not affordable housing."

A Quinnipiac poll released Thursday found that just 4 percent of black voters are supporting Malliotakis.

That's compared to 84 percent for Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"I'm a Democrat. I always vote for Democrats, except for once when I voted for Eisenhower," one man said after Malliotakis spoke.

"She's credible. I thought she put forth a straightforward vision, a plan," said another. "She's a contender. I think de Blasio thinks he has it sort of in the books."

Overwhelmingly, people at the church said they will vote Democratic, although they said they appreciated Malliotakis presenting her ideas.

The first mayoral debate takes place this Tuesday night.

You can catch it on NY1. It will be the only debate with a live audience.

NY1 and NY1 Noticias will show the debate LIVE at 7 p.m., with pre-debate coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. and plenty of analysis afterwards.

Check out our Decision 2017 page to submit a question.