In the closely watched Hudson Valley contest for New York’s 17th Congressional District, Democratic nominee Cait Conley declined to campaign alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani or Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (D‑NY). Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Conley said she is focused on making her case directly to voters in the district.

Campaign tactics under fire

Republican incumbent Mike Lawler’s campaign manager, Ciro Riccardi, seized on Conley’s answer, accusing her of dodging debate challenges and refusing to disavow the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Riccardi claimed Conley’s silence on the DSA is “disqualifying” and suggested she is as extreme as the party’s left‑wing.

Lawler previously challenged Conley to six debates after her primary win; Conley’s campaign said she agreed to two debates hosted by local networks. The dispute over debate participation highlights the high‑stakes nature of this swing‑seat race.

Democratic Party’s internal debate

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D‑NY) has called on Democrats to confront the DSA’s influence and reject its policy positions. When asked whether she supports that stance, Conley avoided a direct answer, instead emphasizing the need to unite the country and denouncing extremism on both sides of the aisle.

“What we have to focus on is how do we bring people together,” Conley said. “What I see coming out of Washington is corruption on both sides, extremism on both sides that is fueling hate, fueling dysfunction.”

DSA platform under scrutiny

The DSA’s national platform calls for abolishing ICE, ending detention and deportations, redirecting police funding toward a goal of fully abolishing the police and prison system, universal rent control, publicly owned social housing, and universal government‑funded healthcare. Lawler’s campaign has repeatedly pressed Conley on her relationship with the party’s progressive wing, especially after AOC publicly congratulated Conley on her primary victory.

Conley, a 16‑year Army veteran who served on former President Joe Biden’s National Security Council, won a crowded Democratic primary in June and now faces the two‑term Republican incumbent in a race that could influence control of the House.

Fox News Digital reached out to Conley for comment but has not received a response.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.