Democrat Cait Conley launches campaign for New York's 17th Congressional District
Supporters gathered in Chappaqua for the campaign launch, where chants of "Send Cait to Congress" welcomed Conley to the stage.
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Democrat Cait Conley officially launched her campaign for New York's 17th Congressional District on Saturday.
She is looking to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in one of the country's most closely watched congressional races.
Supporters gathered in Chappaqua for the campaign launch, where chants of "Send Cait to Congress" welcomed Conley to the stage. Conley told the crowd she believes voters are looking for change and pledged to focus on the future of the Hudson Valley.
"The energy and excitement is real," Conley said. "What people want right now is change. They want to believe that America's best days and the Hudson Valley's best days are still ahead of us."
The event drew Democratic leaders from across the region, along with supporters who cited a range of issues that motivated their attendance.
White Plains resident Angela Usobiaga said recent federal legislation had personally impacted people she knows, while Coast Guard veteran William Goodenough said he was concerned about the use of military forces in domestic situations.
Conley promised to fight corruption in Washington if elected. She said she would introduce legislation to prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks.
In a statement provided to News 12, the Lawler campaign responded to Conley's campaign launch by claiming she is unwilling to debate the congressman and alleged she supports sanctuary cities for immigrants.
In a follow up statement given to News 12 from the Conley campaign, Conley's Communications Director Maddy Rosen said Conley is willing to debate Lawler.
The race for New York's 17th Congressional District is expected to be one of the most competitive House contests in the nation.
The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
