New City, NY – Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley raised approximately three times as much money as Republican incumbent Congressman Mike Lawler during the third quarter of 2026, according to campaign finance disclosures covering July 1 through September 30. However, Lawler entered October with substantially more money remaining in his campaign account as both candidates prepared for the November 3 general election.
The latest figures highlight the financial activity surrounding New York’s 17th Congressional District, which includes Rockland and Putnam counties, along with portions of Westchester and Dutchess counties.
Conley’s campaign reported approximately $5.32 million in receipts during the three-month reporting period, compared with $1.77 million for Lawler. The difference represents approximately $3.55 million, with Conley reporting roughly three dollars in receipts for every dollar reported by Lawler during the quarter.
The fundraising advantage represents a change from earlier in the election cycle, when Lawler had accumulated considerably more campaign funding.
At the end of June, Lawler’s campaign reported approximately $8.17 million in cumulative receipts for the 2025–2026 election cycle, compared with approximately $4.32 million for Conley.
The third-quarter reports brought the candidates much closer in total money raised during the election cycle.
Federal Election Commission records through September 30 show approximately $10 million in cumulative receipts for Lawler and $9.69 million for Conley.
Despite Conley’s third-quarter fundraising advantage, campaign expenditures produced a different financial picture.
Conley’s campaign reported spending approximately $5.48 million between July and September, compared with $3.78 million spent by Lawler’s campaign.
Those expenditures left Conley with approximately $1.17 million in cash on hand as of September 30. Lawler reported approximately $2.85 million remaining.
As a result, Lawler entered October with approximately $1.68 million more in available campaign funds, giving his campaign a larger remaining financial balance despite raising less during the quarter.
Campaign fundraising and spending serve different purposes in evaluating election finances.
Fundraising totals indicate how much money a campaign has received during a particular period, while expenditures reflect how much has been spent on campaign operations and election-related activities.
Cash on hand represents the money remaining at the close of the reporting period. It can be used to finance additional advertising, voter outreach, staffing and other campaign expenses.
A campaign reporting higher fundraising totals does not necessarily have more money available to spend. Similarly, higher expenditures do not independently establish that a campaign has reached more voters or gained additional electoral support.
Both campaigns have devoted substantial resources to the race, including television and digital advertising, voter communication and campaign operations.
Spending by independent political organizations is another component of the congressional contest.
Under federal election rules, political action committees and other outside organizations may independently spend money supporting or opposing candidates, subject to applicable campaign finance regulations.
Those expenditures are reported separately from the candidates’ campaign committees and should not be added to their fundraising totals without identifying the distinction.
Conley, the Democratic challenger, is seeking to unseat Lawler, a Republican who was first elected to Congress in 2022 and reelected in 2024.
Both candidates have participated in public forums and debates addressing federal spending, immigration, economic policy, public safety and other issues affecting the district.
The election also carries broader significance because control of the U.S. House of Representatives will be determined by congressional elections across the country.
The financial reports provide voters with information about the resources available to each candidate, but they do not establish which candidate is ahead in voter support.
The figures also represent a financial snapshot ending September 30. Additional contributions and expenditures occurring during October are not included in these quarterly totals.
Both campaigns have continued their election activities as voters prepare to select their representative for the next two-year congressional term.
The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.