GOP incumbent and Democratic challenger vie for Jewish vote in New York House race

Republican incumbent Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley are locked in a tight race for New York's 17th Congressional District, with both candidates aggressively courting Jewish voters, who make up an estimated 19% of the district. In a televised debate, both expressed strong support for Israel and US weapons funding, while trading accusations over ties to progressive figures and Trump's agenda.

The race for New York's 17th Congressional District between Republican incumbent Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley is tight, with polls showing them within the margin of error. Both candidates are aggressively courting Jewish voters, who make up an estimated 19% of the district. Lawler is trying to tie Conley to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, while Conley accuses Lawler of being a rubber stamp for President Donald Trump's legislative priorities. In a televised debate, both candidates expressed strong support for Israel and agreed that the US should continue funding offensive and defensive weapons for Israel. Conley distinguished herself by saying she would criticize the Netanyahu administration when warranted, and criticized the "feckless execution" of the war. Lawler defended his votes against ending the war and tied Conley to Iran's ability to fund terrorism through Biden-era sanctions. The article also includes a fundraising appeal for The Times of Israel.