Lawler to face combat veteran in key toss-up House race in New York

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Combat veteran Cait Conley (D) is projected to advance from Tuesday’s Democratic primary to face Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) this fall, according to results from Decision Desk HQ.

She will show down against the second-term incumbent in November for the sole toss-up seat in the Empire State, per the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. The purple 17th Congressional District is rated as “one of Democrats’ best pick-up opportunities” this cycle.

Conley defeated Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson (D) despite her strong support from the local Rockland County Democratic establishment. Conley’s financial support placed her ahead as a clear frontrunner before Davidson’s defeat.

The district includes New York’s lower Hudson Valley, all of Rockland and Putnam Counties, along with part of southern Dutchess County and northern Westchester County.

Conley, a Hudson Valley native, served for 16 years as an active-duty Army officer in Iraq and Afghanistan, later serving as the Director for Counterterrorism on the National Security Council under former President Biden, her campaign website reads.

Democratic Reps. Pat Ryan (N.Y.) and Jason Crow (Colo.), and former Democratic Reps. Gabby Giffords (Ariz.) and Sean Patrick Maloney (N.Y.) endorsed Conley, along with several national and local Democratic organizations and clubs.

Conley has pushed back against critics accusing her of working with federal immigration enforcement after she did contract work with defense tech firms tied to Palantir, with the firms pushing artificial intelligence as a means to secure the southern border. She told The New York Times earlier this month that these attacks are “incredibly” disappointing.

“What voters are sick of is politicians and political operatives who continue to use lies and pretend like they’re delivering when they’re not,” she told the outlet.

She accused the Trump administration of betraying American values, telling the Times that she has spent her life working to ensure all Americans are safe and that the government “could focus on taking care of the people.”

“To watch this nation that I was willing to die for become something I barely recognize is unacceptable,” she said.

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Gabby Giffords

Jason Crow

Joe Biden

Michael Lawler

Pat Ryan

Sean Patrick Maloney

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