Lawler, Conley clash over Israel aid, economy in televised debate
The candidates sparred over affordability, immigration enforcement and data centers in a nearly hourlong debate as voters weigh a swing district that could help decide House control.
- On Monday, Sept. 28, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley clashed during their first televised debate hosted by News 12 Westchester, sparring over immigration, data centers, and economic policy.
- A question from the parents of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old killed in March by an undocumented immigrant, prompted the heated exchange over state laws restricting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- Conley claimed five data centers built in Rockland County on Lawler's watch, citing $80 billion in tax breaks for developers, while Lawler defended his record, saying he delivered more than $4,000 in tax relief per family.
- Both candidates expressed strong support for Israel and condemned antisemitism, with little disagreement on the issue; Conley noted misgivings about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership.
- Early voting begins Oct. 24 for the Nov. 3 election in the 17th Congressional District, with campaigns intensifying efforts to sway voters in the competitive Hudson Valley region.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Teen's tragic killing by illegal immigrant becomes flashpoint in battle for control of Congress
Rep. Mike Lawler and Democrat Cait Conley clashed over sanctuary city policies and ICE cooperation after Sheridan Gorman's parents made an emotional plea at their debate.
GOP Congressman Being Supported By Marijuana Industry Donations Says Legalization Is 'Hurting' People
A Republican congressman whose reelection bid is being boosted by donations from some of the U.S.’s largest marijuana businesses says the legalization of cannabis is “hurting” society. A question posed to Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and his Democratic opponent Cait Conely during a debate on Monday asked whether New York’s legal cannabis law is “helping […]
Gorman Parents Confront Conley on Sanctuary Laws in Debate
Parents of an 18-year-old killed by an illegal immigrant pressed Democratic House hopeful Cait Conley on New York sanctuary laws in a debate with Rep. Mike Lawler, and she declined to back ending them. Tom and Jessica Gorman called into the News 12 debate Monday night and put the question straight to the candidates running […]
In Key New York Race Debate, Lawler and Conley Spar Over Data Centers, ICE, and Trump
(Left) Cait Conley speaks to supporters in Tarrytown, New York, on Sept. 16, 2026. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Right) Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) speaks on stage in Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 10, 2026. ((Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
DEBATE REC Mike Lawler Doubles Down on Disastrous Record of Voting with Donald Trump 100% of The Time
Cait Conley: “Mike Lawler is a party-first politician and lifelong political operative who has been bought and paid for by corporate interests, and the people of the Hudson Valley deserve better.” During last night’s first debate in New York’s 17th Congressional District, MAGA Lapdog Mike Lawler spent the night embarrassing himself on stage by touting […]
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