Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican representing New York’s 17th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley, has accused his Democratic opponent, Cait Conley, of carpetbagging and aligning with unpopular progressive figures in the region. The district, which includes Rockland, Putnam, and parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties, is considered a pivotal battleground in the closely contested race that could influence control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Lawler criticized Conley for her ties to prominent Democrats such as Governor Kathy Hochul, Ossining Mayor Rahiem Mamdani, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Chuck Schumer, indicating that their involvement in campaign advertising could be detrimental to her candidacy. “It’s safe to say Hochul, Mamdani, [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] and [Sen. Chuck] Schumer will be making appearances in our advertising,” Lawler said.
Conley, an Army veteran and West Point graduate, has expressed support for policies that diverge from Lawler's positions, particularly on healthcare and immigration enforcement. Lawler accused her of backing a government “takeover” of healthcare and Governor Hochul’s “Sanctuary State” measures, which limit local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He characterized these policies as part of a broader “death march” toward socialism that he claims is unpopular among district residents, many of whom have family members serving as police officers, firefighters, or veterans.
In contrast, Conley’s campaign website states she supports “allowing everyone to opt in to a public insurance option” but does not endorse a full government takeover of healthcare. On immigration, she advocates repealing “287g agreements,” which permit local law enforcement to assist ICE in enforcement actions, and has spoken against what she describes as “the terrorization of our immigrant communities.”
Lawler also challenged Conley’s residency and connection to the district, asserting that she moved into the area solely to run for Congress. According to Lawler, Conley owns properties in Alexandria, Virginia, and Sanford, North Carolina, but currently leases a home in Ossining, within the 17th District. “She parachuted in to run,” Lawler said, adding that she does not pay property taxes locally and was encouraged by someone in Washington to run in this specific district.
Conley, who was raised in the greater Hudson Valley, has not publicly responded to the carpetbagging allegations. The race remains highly competitive as both candidates seek to mobilize voters ahead of the upcoming election.