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D Democratic · U.S. House 17, New York · Nov 3, 2026

Cait
Conley

Democratic nominee challenging Rep. Mike Lawler in NY-17; West Point graduate and former NSC and CISA official

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
24
positions
12
endorsements
38
caitconley.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Opponent Mike Lawler R Compare race →

Background

Cait Conley is a Democratic candidate running to represent New York's 17th Congressional District in the November 2026 election, challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler. A fourth-generation Hudson Valley native who attended Pine Bush High School, she graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and an MBA from MIT. 3613

Conley served 16 years as an active-duty U.S. Army officer, completing six overseas deployments. Following her military career, she served as Director for Counterterrorism on the White House National Security Council and as a senior advisor to the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where she oversaw the agency's election-security mission. She is also a graduate of Harvard's Defending Digital Democracy Project. 613

Conley announced her Democratic primary campaign for NY-17, a district described by her campaign as currently held by Republican Mike Lawler. She outraised the rest of the primary field combined heading into the final stretch of the primary and won the Democratic nomination. 119

Her policy platform and campaign materials emphasize her national security background, Hudson Valley roots, and experience in government cybersecurity and counterterrorism. 626

At a glance

Party
Democratic
Running for
U.S. House · District 17, New York
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Website
caitconley.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Nov 3
    news
    Election Day: Conley vs. Lawler in NY-17 general election

    The general election for New York's 17th Congressional District, featuring Democrat Cait Conley against incumbent Republican Mike Lawler, is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

    Mike Lawler, Cait Conley make their cases in NY House race · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 24
    news
    Early voting in NY-17 scheduled to begin

    Early voting in the NY-17 general election race between Conley and Lawler is scheduled to begin October 24, ahead of Election Day on November 3.

    Mike Lawler, Cait Conley make their cases in NY House race · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 14
    debate
    Second Conley-Lawler debate scheduled on PIX11 at 7 p.m.

    PIX11 announced a second debate between Conley and Lawler scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 14. As of October 12, the debate had not yet taken place.

    Lawler, Conley face-off in high-stakes NY-17 debate · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 7
    news
    Journal News outlines key issues in Conley vs. Lawler race

    The Journal News described affordability, taxes, tariffs, Medicaid, SNAP, and the Iran war as prominent subjects in the NY-17 race, noting the candidates disputed each other's records and policy claims.

    Mike Lawler, Cait Conley make their cases in NY House race · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 6
    news
    Conley affirms support for law enforcement and targeted immigration enforcement

    Asked about immigration and public safety, Conley said she was 'unwavering' in supporting law enforcement and government responsibility to keep communities safe. She said she supported strong border security and enforcement targeting violent criminals, terrorist groups, drug cartels, and human traffickers.

    Candidates in NY's 17th Congressional District race ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 3
    poll
    Lawler campaign's internal poll shows Lawler leading Conley by three points

    Lawler's campaign released an internal poll showing him ahead of Conley by three points, a result The Journal News noted was also within the margin of error. The poll is not an independent survey.

    Lawler holds slight lead over Conley in NY-17 poll by his campaign · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 1
    news
    Conley campaign highlights poll finding that 52% oppose the Iran war

    Conley's campaign used the Emerson/PIX11 poll result showing 52% of NY-17 likely voters opposed the Iran war to highlight her anti-war stance, contrasting it with Lawler's stated support for the intervention.

    Cait Conley holds slight lead over Mike Lawler in NY-17 voter poll · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 1
    poll
    Emerson/PIX11 poll shows Conley leading Lawler 48% to 46%

    An Emerson College/PIX11 poll of 400 likely voters conducted Sept. 27–29 showed Conley at 48% and Lawler at 46%, with 7% undecided. The margin of error was ±4.9 points, meaning neither candidate held a statistically clear lead. The poll also found 52% of respondents opposed the Iran war.

    Cait Conley holds slight lead over Mike Lawler in NY-17 voter poll · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Oct 1
    news
    Conley campaign announces $5 million raised in three months after June 30

    Conley's campaign announced it had raised $5 million in the three months following June 30, surpassing the $4.3 million it had raised during the preceding 15-plus months. Cash on hand was not disclosed in the report.

    Cait Conley holds slight lead over Mike Lawler in NY-17 voter poll · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Sep 28
    debate
    Conley and Lawler debate on News 12

    Conley and Lawler participated in a debate on News 12. Some respondents to the subsequent Emerson/PIX11 poll (conducted Sept. 27–29) may have seen the debate, per The Journal News reporting.

    Cait Conley holds slight lead over Mike Lawler in NY-17 voter poll · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Sep 17
    filing
    New York State Board of Elections certifies Conley on Democratic and Working Families lines

    The New York State Board of Elections' amended certification dated September 17 lists Conley on the Democratic and Working Families party lines for the NY-17 general election.

    New York 17th District Race 2026: Conley vs. Lawler · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sep 14
    endorsement
    Citizen Action of New York endorses Cait Conley for Congress

    Citizen Action of New York endorsed Conley, who stated her campaign priorities: banning corporate PAC money, holding utility monopoly companies accountable, lowering healthcare costs, and investing in public schools.

    Citizen Action of New York Endorses Cait Conley for Congress in New York 17 | Yonkers Times · Sep 14, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Jun 30
    filing
    Conley reported $1.3 million cash on hand vs. Lawler's $4.8 million

    As of June 30, Conley had $1.3 million cash on hand compared to Lawler's $4.8 million, according to candidates' prior financial filings.

    Cait Conley holds slight lead over Mike Lawler in NY-17 voter poll · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Jun 23
    news
    Cait Conley wins Democratic primary for NY-17

    Conley won the Democratic primary to become the Democratic nominee in New York's 17th Congressional District race against incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler.

    Cait Conley holds slight lead over Mike Lawler in NY-17 voter poll · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Endorsements

  • Cold Spring Mayor Kathleen E. Foley official
    Announced in a campaign press release; no publication date given. caitconley.com
  • DCCC Red to Blue organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Human Rights Campaign organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Dutchess County Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Pound Ridge Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Ossining Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Cortlandt Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Nelsonville Mayor Chris Winward official
    Announced in a campaign press release; no publication date given. caitconley.com
  • Rep. Pat Ryan (D–N.Y.-18) official
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Former Rep. Gabby Giffords official
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney official
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Sen. Mark Kelly official
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Sen. Elissa Slotkin official
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Philipstown Supervisor John Van Tassel official
    Announced in a campaign press release; no publication date given. caitconley.com
  • New York State AFL-CIO union
    Listed on NYS AFL-CIO 2026 endorsements page for NY-17; no specific endorsement date given. nysaflcio.org
  • The Next 50 organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Giffords PAC organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • 1199 SEIU union
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Putnam County Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Kent Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • North Castle Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • VoteVets organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • New Politics organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • EMILYs List organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • League of Conservation Voters organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • IATSE locals union
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Lewisboro Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Peekskill Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Mount Kisco Democratic Committee organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Equality PAC organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • Majority Democrats organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; no dated announcement found. caitconley.com
  • CSEA New York union
    CSEA reported its endorsement of Conley in CD-17 in a post dated September 28, 2026. cseany.org · Sep 28, 2026
  • New York Working Families Party organization
    Conley accepted the party's endorsement on August 17, 2026; also listed on campaign page. lawlerforcongress.com · Aug 17, 2026
  • Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 1 union
    Announced endorsement on August 17, 2026. cwad1.org · Aug 17, 2026
  • Suzanne Berger, chair of the Westchester County Democratic Committee official
    Endorsed in her individual capacity via an opinion column; the county committee itself made no endorsement. caitconley.com · May 28, 2026
  • LGBTQ+ Victory Fund organization
    Endorsed Conley on March 3, 2026. victoryfund.org · Mar 3, 2026
  • Rep. Jason Crow (D–Colo.-6) official
    Documented in a February 21, 2026 report; also listed on campaign endorsement page. riverjournalonline.com · Feb 21, 2026

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$4.32M
Spent
$3.00M
Cash on hand
$1.32M

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6NY17171(opens in a new tab)

Sources 24

  1. [1] Candidates in NY's 17th Congressional District race ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  2. [2] Mike Lawler, Cait Conley make their cases in NY House race(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  3. [3] NY-17's safety dance(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  4. [4] Lawler, Conley face-off in high-stakes NY-17 debate(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  5. [5] Lawler holds slight lead over Conley in NY-17 poll by his campaign(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  6. [6] New York State AFL-CIO Endorsements 2026(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  7. [7] Conley-Lawler debate: Was it decisive or divisive?(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
  8. [8] Cait Conley holds slight lead over Mike Lawler in NY-17 voter poll(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  9. [9] New York 17th District Race 2026: Conley vs. Lawler(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  10. [10] Cait Conley - X(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  11. [11] Lawler, Conley spar over Trump, data centers, ICE in NY-17 debate(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
  12. [12] Press Release - Cait Conley for Congress(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  13. [13] This Week in Albany - September 25, 2026 - CSEA NY(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
  14. [14] Citizen Action of New York Endorses Cait Conley for Congress in New York 17 | Yonkers Times(opens in a new tab) Sep 14, 2026
  15. [15] Cait Conley Visits the RCT(opens in a new tab) Sep 3, 2026
  16. [16] In Hudson Valley race, Lawler and Conley are fighting Middle East wars(opens in a new tab) Aug 28, 2026
  17. [17] Lawler, Conley debate Hudson Valley’s economic challenges - Halston Media Group(opens in a new tab) Aug 25, 2026
  18. [18] CAIT CONLEY MAKES IT OFFICIAL, FULLY EMBRACING THE WORKING ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 18, 2026
  19. [19] Communications Workers of America District 1 Endorses Cait Conley for U.S. Congress(opens in a new tab) Aug 17, 2026
  20. [20] Westchester Dem leader endorses Cait Conley in primary for Lawler ...(opens in a new tab) May 28, 2026
  21. [21] LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Endorses Cait Conley for NY-17(opens in a new tab) Mar 3, 2026
  22. [22] Congressman Jason Crow Endorses Cait Conley for Congress in New York’s 17th Congressional District(opens in a new tab) Feb 21, 2026
  23. [23] Endorsements - Cait Conley for Congress(opens in a new tab) Nov 17, 2025
  24. [24] Policy - Cait Conley for Congress(opens in a new tab) Sep 9, 2025
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