Lawler and Conley clash over ICE and sanctuary laws in final NY-17 debate

Right · 2Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley held their final debate on Wednesday night, 14 October, for New York's 17th Congressional District, which covers part of the Hudson Valley and a chunk of Westchester County. 1 2 Right · 2The sharpest exchanges were over immigration. The moderator raised the shooting by ICE agents the week before in New York City of a man who was in a car with his 5-year-old child. The New York Post identifies the man as Oscar Begal, an alleged gang member shot in the Bronx as he tried to evade arrest. 2 1 Right · 1Conley said she backs immigration enforcement to deport violent criminals, but said ICE's conduct is "posing a public safety hazard" and that as a law enforcement officer she would not be permitted to shoot into a car with a child in it. 2

Right · 2Lawler said the man had a lengthy criminal record and argued the shooting could have been prevented if local police had been allowed to cooperate with federal officers. Lawler blamed a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, which he said Conley supports. 1 2 Right · 2Lawler also pressed Conley over Sheridan Gorman, a Westchester County college student from the district who was killed in Chicago in March. Conley called the killing "an atrocious crime" and noted it happened in Chicago. After repeated pressing, the Post reports, Conley said the suspect "should’ve been deported." 1 2 Right · 2Conley tried to tie Lawler to President Trump, saying Lawler votes with Trump "100% of the time." Lawler said Conley had "literally just lied" and cited being rated the third most independent member of the Republican conference. He also pointed to breaking with Trump on the SALT cap, Haitian TPS and the ACA enhanced premium tax credit. 2 1

Right · 1They also argued over the One Big Beautiful Bill. Conley accused Lawler of supporting tax breaks for data-center builders. Lawler said the provision was $80 billion in 100% expensing for businesses of all kinds, and said Conley misunderstood the bill. 2 Right · 1Lawler also said "I know you just moved here from Virginia," casting Conley as an outsider. Conley grew up in the Hudson Valley, attended West Point and served in the Army, then worked in national security in Washington. Her résumé includes leading the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency at the Department of Homeland Security, according to the Post. 1 Right · 1The candidates shook hands afterward, and Lawler thanked Conley for her military service. 2

Right · 2The race is close. The Post says most polls have the candidates about two points apart, with Conley ahead 48% to 46% in one poll and 7% of voters undecided, according to Emerson College Polling. Lawler won in 2024 by 52% to 45%. Fox News notes that Lawler is one of three House Republicans who hold a district Kamala Harris won in 2024. Election Day is Nov. 3. 1 2