# Cait Conley

> Cait Conley is a fourth-generation Hudson Valley native, decorated special operations combat veteran, and national security official. She is the leading Democratic candidate for New York's 17th Congressional District, with the Democratic primary scheduled for June 23, 2026.

## Key facts

- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: U.S. House of Representatives
- Current office: Special Operations Veteran; National Security Official
- State: NY
- District: 17
- Race: New York's 17th Congressional District 2026
- Incumbent status: challenger
- Residence: Hudson Valley, NY
- Race rating: Toss-up
- Campaign website: https://caitconley.com

## Biography

Cait Conley is a fourth-generation Hudson Valley native and the daughter of a postal worker and a construction worker. She is a decorated special operations combat veteran who has spent her career in national security. She is the leading Democratic candidate in the June 23, 2026 primary for New York's 17th Congressional District, with a significant fundraising advantage over her primary opponents.

## Background

- Professional background: National security official; Special operations veteran
- Military service: U.S. military special operations veteran

## Issue positions

### Healthcare - ACA / Medicaid (Healthcare)

Cait Conley supports a public option for healthcare and has pledged to oppose cuts to Medicaid and Medicare.

Evidence: Candidate public statements

### Immigration - ICE Enforcement (Immigration)

Cait Conley has stated her intention to 'rein in ICE', which would likely lead to reduced immigration enforcement activities.

Evidence: Candidate public statements

### Taxation - Working Families Tax Cuts (Taxation)

Cait Conley is against the Working Families Tax Cuts. This position would restore income taxes on tips for 4 million tipped workers, restore income taxes on overtime for over 80 million hourly workers, and restore income taxes on Social Security for millions of retirees. It would also cut the Child Tax Credit from $2,200 back to $2,000 per child, reduce the standard deduction for 90% of taxpayers, eliminate the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, and reverse increased Medicare payments to rural providers. This constitutes the largest tax increase in American history.

Evidence: Candidate public statements, Congressional Budget Office analysis

### Energy - Climate (Energy)

Cait Conley views climate change as a national security crisis. She supports the use of solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources.

Evidence: Candidate public statements

## Ratings & scorecards (as published by the issuing organizations)

- Reproductive Freedom for All (NARAL): Endorsed (2026) — Reproductive Rights
- Planned Parenthood Action Fund: Endorsed (2026) — Reproductive Rights

## Opponents in this race

- [Mike Lawler](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/mike-lawler-ny17-2026.md) — Republican
- [Josh Riley](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/josh-riley-ny19-2026.md) — Democratic
- [Laura Gillen](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/laura-gillen-ny4-2026.md) — Democratic
- [Anthony D'Esposito](https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/anthony-desposito-ny4-2026.md) — Republican

## Sources

- House candidate Cait Conley is far ahead in campaign funds — Facebook/LoHud: https://www.facebook.com/lohud/posts/house-candidate-cait-conley-is-far-ahead-of-her-democratic-primary-rivals-in-cam/1500445555427046/
- Headshot identity source — Cait Conley: https://caitconley.com/

Last updated: 2026-07-19T20:18:09.668Z

---

Source: Transparency Report — https://transparencyreport.io/candidates/cait-conley-ny17-2026
This is the Markdown version of the page. Cite the canonical URL above.