New York 17th District
Mike Lawler (R) holds this seat and is running again. 2 candidates were on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
Who should win this race, and why?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss
Mike Lawler
Republican · holds this seat today
ALiberty Score AOn the liberty side in 100 of 107 votes and bills.
Raised $10,317,627 since January 2025: 38% from people, 37% transfers and other income, 24% from PACs and other committees. The filing at FEC.gov
Cait Conley
Democrat · former Army officer and White House counterterrorism director
D+Liberty Score D+69 out of 100 across 4 principles. Graded on what Conley has said and done, because I have no votes in Congress to count for Conley.
Raised $10,706,692 since January 2025: 88% from people, 7% transfers and other income, 5% from PACs and other committees. The filing at FEC.gov
Higher on Liberty Score: Mike Lawler. Mike Lawler: A, 95 out of 100 from recorded votes. Cait Conley: D+, 69 out of 100 from words and actions, with no votes in Congress to count.
Voting in New York: how to register, vote early or vote by mail. Election Day was November 3.
Side by side
A solid letter is a grade from recorded votes on that principle. An outlined letter is on the same scale, for a candidate with no votes: it comes from what that candidate has said and done, and every source is listed below.
Cait Conley, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Conley, so the grade above comes from this list: what Conley has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
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In a 2025 interview she said an Islamic Republic nuclear weapon cannot be allowed and that all options must stay on the table.
“That cannot be something we allow. We have to keep all options on the table.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Keeping military options open against the nuclear programme is the with side.
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Her Policy page promises to end military escalation with Iran and pursue diplomacy so Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.
“Ending military escalation with Iran and pursuing diplomacy to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
No deal, sanction or strike is named, so the words do not settle the side.
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Her Policy page backs a two-state solution as the long-term path for Israel and the Palestinians.
“Supporting a two-state solution as the only viable long-term path to ensure Israel remains a secure, democratic Jewish state while Palestinians achieve legitimate aspirations for self-determination.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
A peace framework with no word on weapons or aid does not settle the side.
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Her Policy page promises to recommit US support for Ukraine against Russia.
“Recommitting our support for Ukraine against Russia's unlawful aggression.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Backing Ukraine against Putin is the with side of this measure.
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Her Policy page promises to end the cap on the state and local tax deduction.
“Ending entirely the Trump and Lawler-imposed SALT tax cap”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
A named tax cut is the with side of this measure.
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Her Policy page promises to cap insulin prices at $35 for everyone.
“capping insulin prices at $35 for everyone”
- By the test I use for votes
- Against liberty
A government cap on a price is the against side of this measure.
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Her Policy page promises a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and Dreamers.
“Creating a pathway to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants and Dreamers who are already part of our communities, paying taxes, and contributing to our economy.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Against liberty
A path to citizenship for those here illegally is the against side of this measure.
Who is on the ballot: the state election offices, as listed on Wikipedia on November 3, 2026, checked against the candidate file of the Federal Election Commission. See a name that is wrong or missing? Say so in the discussion.
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Discussion
New York 17th District
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