CARMEL – The Putnam County Democratic Committee has endorsed Cait Conley to oppose Republican Congressman Michael Lawler in the 17th Congressional District this fall.
The district includes the entirety of Putnam and Rockland counties, as well as portions of Dutchess and Westchester counties.
During its nominating convention, Democratic Chairwoman Jennifer Colamonico charged that the electorate was clamoring for ethical leadership that solves real problems, claiming that Putnam has been headed in the wrong direction when it comes to quality of life and economic opportunity.
“In a race among strong Democratic candidates, Cait has the x-factor that we think will give us the best chance to beat Mike Lawler in November,” she said, adding: “Cait Conley has already been steadfast in her support for Putnam since day one, and we can’t wait to have this kind of partnership when we send her to Washington to represent us.”
Colamonico added that Putnam Democrats had watched the candidates over the past year by inviting them to meetings and how they built campaigns. “Many district leaders feel positively about all the candidates, including those who have already stepped away from the race. This year’s candidates have demonstrated the strengths of the Democratic party by reflecting a wide variety of perspectives and beliefs. Although the coming two months are expected to be intense, our main objective remains reclaiming this seat and restoring some measure of stability to the current situation in Washington, DC. This election cannot come a moment too soon.”
On the first ballot, Conley was the decisive winner with 63 percent of the vote. She is a 16-year Army veteran who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and held national security positions in the Biden administration.
Despite Putnam’s support for Conley, the 17th CD remains divided and the electorate will decide in June during a Democratic primary who will challenge Lawler.
Her rivals for the Democratic nomination include Beth Davidson, a Rockland County legislator and former Nyack school board member; Effie-Phillips-Staley, a Tarrytown village trustee and former nonprofit leader; Mike Sacks, a democracy advocate and former journalist; and Air Force veteran John Cappello.
In other races, Putnam Democrats declined to make an endorsement in the race for State Senate District 39, currently held by Republican Rob Rolison. The Democrats vying for the seat include Evan Menist, Lisa Kaul, and Dr. Gay Lee. Democrats in Philipstown and Putnam Valley, the two towns currently represented by Rolison felt that both Menist and Kaul were outstanding candidates.
Others endorsed by the Putnam Democrats included Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, District 95; State Senator Peter Harckham, District 40; Daniel Guzmán for State Assembly, District 94; Putnam Valley Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur; Philipstown Supervisor John VanTassel; Alex Sewell for Kent Town Supervisor; Lynne Eckardt for Southeast Town Supervisor; Brett Yarris for Putnam County Executive; Dr. Michael Strauss for County Coroner; Maia Gilleo for County Legislator, District 2; Kathy Kahng for County Legislator, District 3; Gwendolyn Burke for County Legislator, District 8.