Lawler Targets Conley as Hudson Valley House Race Heats Up

Rep. Mike Lawler is escalating his attacks on Democratic challenger Cait Conley, accusing his opponent of being a political outsider and linking her to some of New York’s most prominent Democratic figures.

Lawler, the Republican incumbent representing New York’s 17th Congressional District, has sought to tie Conley to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as the two candidates battle for a seat covering parts of Rockland, Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess counties.

“It’s safe to say Hochul, Mamdani, [Ocasio-Cortez] and [Chuck] Schumer will be making appearances in our advertising,” Lawler said.

Lawler has particularly focused on immigration and health care.

Conley supports allowing residents to opt into a public insurance option, but has said she does not support a complete government takeover of health care. She also supports revoking so-called 287(g) agreements that allow local law enforcement agencies to assist federal immigration authorities.

Lawler has criticized Hochul’s sanctuary policies and argued that Conley’s positions place her within the mainstream of New York’s progressive Democratic leadership.

The Republican has also accused Conley of moving into the district to run for Congress.

Conley’s campaign rejects that characterization, pointing to her Hudson Valley roots and describing her as a fourth-generation native and Army combat veteran. Her campaign has countered that Lawler is attempting to distract voters from issues including taxes, corruption and the cost of living.

The campaigns have also traded accusations over campaign spending, artificial-intelligence-generated political imagery and connections to corporate interests.

The race is drawing national attention because the Hudson Valley district is closely divided politically. Independent analysts cited by the Post have described the contest as highly competitive.

With control of the House at stake nationally, both campaigns are increasingly framing the race as a choice over the direction of New York and Washington.