U.S.Army veteran Cait Conley emerged Tuesday from a crowded primary in New York's 17th Congressional District, setting up a high-stakes general election showdown against Republican Rep.
Mike Lawler in a race expected to help determine control of the U.S.House.Conley defeated four Democratic rivals to secure the nomination and will face Lawler in November.Lawler, a two-term Republican and ally of President Donald Trump, has previously criticized Conley over her connection to the deadly U.S.
withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which occurred during her tenure on former President Joe Biden's National Security Council.The Hudson Valley district is among the most competitive congressional battlegrounds in the country and one of Democrats' top pickup opportunities.National parties and outside groups are expected to pour millions of dollars into the race, viewing the seat as critical in the battle for House control during the final two years of Trump's term.VULNERABLE HARRIS-DISTRICT REPUBLICAN BRINGS IN MORE THAN $1M AS DEMS SCRAMBLE TO FLIP SEATRep.
Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., has sharply criticized Democratic challenger Cait Conley over her connection to the deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which overlapped with her service on former President Joe Biden's National Security Council.(Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images ; Tierney L.
Cross/Getty Images)The Democratic primary drew a five-candidate field with varying political backgrounds and bases of support.The leading contenders in fundraising, polling and endorsements ahead of Election Day were Conley and Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson.A third candidate, Tarrytown Trustee Effie Phillips-Staley, positioned herself to the left of her rivals and built support among progressive groups and voters.Also on the ballot were attorney and former journalist Mike Sacks and Air Force veteran John Cappello.BIDEN ALUM SEEKING MIKE LAWLER'S NY SWING SEAT RIPPED FOR TIES TO BOTCHED AFGHANISTAN WITHDRAWALBeth Davidson, a Rockla...