GOP’s Mike Lawler spars with Democrat challenger over antisemitism, Israel in NY House race

Incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Democrat Cait Conley clashed in a debate over antisemitism and Israel policy. Lawler pressed Conley to condemn NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani; she deflected. Both supported Israel aid but differed on West Bank settlements. The debate highlighted the district's significant Jewish population, with more than one in five voters being Jewish, alongside growing Muslim communities.

Incumbent US Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Democrat Cait Conley faced off in a heated debate on Monday night, sparring over antisemitism and Israel policy in New York's 17th Congressional District, one of the most Jewish districts in the country. Lawler pressed Conley to condemn NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his anti-Israel positions, noting that Conley had expressed respect for him. Conley deflected, instead voicing support for the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act and noting her disagreements with the Democratic Socialists of America. Both candidates expressed support for Israel and said they would vote against an amendment to cut $3.3 billion in annual aid. Conley criticized Netanyahu when she believes he is doing wrong for Israel and America. The debate highlighted the district's significant Jewish population, with more than one in five voters being Jewish, alongside growing Muslim communities.