Westchester County, N.Y. — Republican congressional candidate Mike Lawler has publicly renewed his call for a series of televised debates with Democratic candidate Cait Conley, arguing that voters should have multiple opportunities to hear the candidates discuss issues ahead of the general election.
In a letter dated July 7, Lawler asked Conley to accept a proposal for six televised debates across New York’s 17th Congressional District. According to the letter, the proposal was first made on June 23. Lawler said he is renewing the invitation after the Fourth of July holiday and noted that absentee ballots are scheduled to be mailed in just over two months.
Lawler stated that the race is expected to be among the most closely watched congressional contests in the country and argued that the level of public interest warrants multiple public debates. He said televised forums would allow voters to compare the candidates’ positions directly rather than relying on campaign statements, social media posts, or organized campaign events.
The congressman wrote that he believes there is sufficient time to organize the first debate this month and said he is confident that a sponsor and moderator could be selected quickly.
The letter also references an editorial from the region’s largest newspaper that, according to Lawler, argued Conley “owes it to voters” to participate in debates. The letter does not identify the publication.
In addition to renewing the debate invitation, Lawler criticized Conley’s campaign, accusing it of misrepresenting his voting record and focusing on partisan messaging rather than policy discussions. He also questioned Conley’s work as a consultant and said voters deserve more information about her policy positions.
Among the issues Lawler said should be discussed during the proposed debates are federal tax policy, immigration enforcement, energy policy, and political alliances. Specifically, he claimed Conley opposes expanding the federal deduction for state and local taxes, supports sanctuary city policies, has aligned herself with progressive political figures from New York City, and supports New York’s clean energy initiatives under Governor Kathy Hochul.
The letter presents those claims from Lawler’s perspective. Conley’s campaign response to the renewed debate challenge and the specific policy positions referenced in the letter were not included.
Lawler also highlighted his own record in office, describing it as bipartisan and stating that voters are already familiar with his positions on major issues. He said public debates would give voters an opportunity to learn more about his opponent before ballots are distributed.
The congressman concluded the letter by stating that he has authorized his campaign manager and general consultant to begin working with Conley’s campaign to schedule the first debate. He encouraged Conley to direct her campaign staff to do the same so that debate planning can begin.
Debates are a common feature of congressional campaigns, though the number, format, timing, and participating organizations are typically negotiated between campaigns. Whether multiple debates will take place in New York’s 17th Congressional District remains uncertain, as Conley’s campaign had not publicly accepted the proposal outlined in Lawler’s letter at the time it was released
