During a heated congressional debate on Monday night, the grieving parents of a teenage girl killed by an illegal migrant criticized New York’s sanctuary law. This took place between Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and his Democratic opponent, Cait Conley, as they vied for the House seat representing the lower Hudson Valley.
Tom and Jessica Gorman participated in a call during the televised debate on News 12, wanting to know the candidates’ stance on sanctuary laws. Their daughter, Sheridan, was only 18 when she was shot by an undocumented Venezuelan migrant, Jose Medina, on March 19, while she was walking with friends by Lake Michigan. Medina, who had prior encounters with law enforcement, had been released before the tragic incident.
Expressing his heartbreak, Tom Gorman, as his wife fought back tears, questioned whether either candidate would support federal legislation that would overturn the state sanctuary laws established earlier this year by Governor Kathy Hochul and Democrats in Albany.
This law prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding the detention of illegal migrants in New York.
Conley acknowledged that Sheridan’s murder was “inexcusable,” but she didn’t directly answer whether she would support repealing the state’s sanctuary law. She emphasized the government’s failure to protect families and claimed her commitment to family safety was steadfast, referencing her experience as a military police officer.
On her campaign platform, Conley expressed her support for maintaining the state’s sanctuary law, indicating she would back the revocation of 287g agreements that permit local police to assist ICE.
While suggesting that “border security is national security,” Conley again criticized the approach of the Trump administration, claiming it targeted harmless individuals instead of focusing on criminal aliens.
In response, Lawler seized on Conley’s ambiguous position. He pointed out that she did indeed support Governor Hochul’s sanctuary law and made his own stance clear: he opposes it and endorses federal legislation aimed at ending such sanctuary jurisdictions.
Both candidates, however, agreed on the need to assist Haitian migrants affected by the revocation of their temporary protected status by Trump. Conley attributed the blame for this incident to Lawler.
Throughout the one-hour debate, various topics were discussed, including the economy, energy costs, and even the legalization of marijuana. They found some common ground, notably opposing the $9 congestion toll for entering Manhattan’s business district. Conley broke ranks with Governor Hochul on this issue.
On the topic of cannabis legislation, Conley saw it as beneficial for the state, while Lawler argued it had negative effects.
Lawler highlighted his work in lifting the cap on state and local tax deductions, which he claimed saved many taxpayers money. Meanwhile, Conley criticized Lawler’s support for budget cuts that affected Medicaid and social services, while also stating her intention to raise payroll taxes on high earners to preserve Social Security.
Both candidates expressed strong support for Israel and its military funding. A point of contention arose when Lawler asked Conley if she denounces Mayor Zohran Mamdani, criticizing the “antisemitic base” within the Democratic Party. Conley retorted by asking Lawler if he denounces Trump for the harm he’s caused to families in their region.
The candidates reiterated stances previously outlined during their campaigns. Conley advocated for renewable energy investments that the Trump administration had curtailed, whereas Lawler pushed for reviving the Indian Point nuclear plant and allowing gas extraction in New York to help lower utility bills.
Conley also supported Governor Hochul’s year-long halt on new AI data center constructions, while Lawler disagreed. Throughout, they accused each other of misrepresenting their views, with Conley frequently labeling Lawler a “lifelong political operative.”
This tight race in the 17th Congressional District, encompassing Rockland, Putnam, and parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties, is of significant interest, potentially impacting control of the House of Representatives. Many residents have connections to public service, and approximately 20% of the voters in the area are Jewish.
Lawler, a former state assemblyman with deep roots in GOP politics, aims for a third term, while Conley, an Army veteran with a West Point background and experience in the Department of Homeland Security under Biden, is making her political debut after winning a competitive Democratic primary.
