NEW YORK — Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y. and Democratic challenger Cait Conley debated for New York's 17th Congressional District on Sept. 28. The debate, recorded at News 12's Long Island studio and aired at 8 PM, covered household costs, U.S. military aid for Israel and other issues.
With five weeks remaining until the Nov. 3 election, both candidates traded attacks. Conley accused Lawler of voting "100 percent of the time" in alignment with President Donald Trump's agenda, a claim Lawler denied.
Lawler, a second-term incumbent, countered by calling Conley "bought and paid for by the artificial intelligence industry." Conley's heated response highlighted the high stakes in the Hudson Valley swing seat, which is critical for determining control of the House.
Conley linked Lawler's voting record to mental health care. "If he cares so much about the health care of our families, of people in our district, then he would not have voted 100 percent of the time for Donald Trump's agenda," she said. Lawler dismissed the accusation, calling it "provably false."
The candidates offered different explanations for rising living costs. Conley attributed the problem to a Republican-controlled Washington, citing Trump's tariffs for increasing construction material prices and worsening the housing crisis.
As a solution, Conley proposed home loans for public service workers, including police, teachers and nurses. She modeled this idea on existing programs for veterans that she said helped her purchase her first home.
Lawler, an Army combat veteran, blamed high costs on Democratic-controlled Albany, pointing to New York's taxes and utility rates. He highlighted federal tax cuts enacted last year by Republicans in Congress and President Trump, along with a bipartisan housing bill that became law in July without Trump's signature.
Lawler also cited plans to expedite permits for new energy production to alleviate economic strain. Both candidates expressed strong support for continuing military aid to Israel.
Conley attacked Lawler for consistently supporting Trump's tariffs on foreign imports. Lawler defended these tariffs as a "valuable tool to achieve fair trade policies" for the United States.
On energy policy, Lawler advocated an "all of the above" approach, which includes increased gas extraction. Conley, in contrast, called for investment in "cleaner, more efficient forms of energy."
Conley criticized the Trump administration for canceling a major offshore wind project near Long Island. The candidates also fielded questions on immigration enforcement, data centers, college costs and the solvency of Social Security.
Mail voting is underway in the district, with early voting scheduled to begin Oct. 24 and run for nine days ahead of the general election.
