The heartbroken parents of Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University student allegedly murdered by an undocumented immigrant, have publicly backed Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in a new TV advertisement. In this ad, they criticize Democratic candidate Cait Conley for her support of sanctuary policies.
Jessica Gorman, Sheridan’s mother, expressed that she and her husband, Tom, “choose leaders who choose us” in the 30-second spot, which started airing on Wednesday in New York’s 17th Congressional District.
“He just shot her. He hunted her down,” Jessica Gorman said, referring to Jose Medina, the undocumented Venezuelan accused of killing their 18-year-old daughter.
In the ad, Tom Gorman looked directly at the camera and stated, “The sanctuary policies being pushed by [Gov.] Kathy Hochul and Democrats killed our daughter. This has to stop.”
Jessica added, “And this is why we choose leaders who choose us and that’s why we’re choosing Mike Lawler.”
Sheridan, who was a freshman at the Chicago university, lost her life on March 19 while walking with friends near Lake Michigan.
The man charged with her death had prior legal issues but was released before the tragic incident.
This year, Hochul backed a state law that restricts local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE on immigration matters. Similarly, Chicago has sanctuary laws that protect undocumented immigrants.
On her campaign website, Conley endorses a federal measure that would stop agreements between county police and ICE regarding immigration enforcement. However, she sidestepped a question about her stance on overturning sanctuary laws during a News 12 debate when questioned by the Gormans.
Jessica Gorman later described Conley’s response as “cowardly,” expressing her disappointment. “I found it cowardly. It was disrespectful to Tom and my daughter,” she stated, noting her respect for Conley as a military veteran.
Jessica made a recent appearance at the Republican National Committee’s mid-term convention, mentioning that their political activism started only after their daughter’s death. “This is not about us. It’s about preventing the next victim. We’re not going to sit idly by,” Tom Gorman remarked.
Lawler also appeared in a second advertisement, emphasizing the need for accountability. “How many lives must be lost before Cait Conley and Kathy Hochul get the message? Cait Conley supports Kathy Hochul’s law making New York a sanctuary state, tying the hands of law enforcement,” Lawler said, adding that it’s crucial to not let violent criminals succeed.
In response to the Gormans’ criticisms, Conley acknowledged the tragic loss of Sheridan. “Sheridan Gorman was a beautiful young woman, who should still be with us today. Her death is devastating and inexcusable,” she stated.
Conley, drawing from her experience as a former military police officer, emphasized the importance of ensuring law enforcement has the necessary resources to protect communities from various threats. She highlighted her commitment to the safety and security of families.
Despite attending a vigil for Sheridan in March, Conley’s campaign asserted she supports canceling 287g agreements, indicating that local police should prioritize community safety rather than federal immigration duties. They emphasized that this approach continues to hold criminals accountable.
Lawler’s campaign has allocated significant funding for their ads over the next few weeks as the contest between him and Conley remains tight in a highly contested district. The 17th Congressional District, which includes areas like Rockland and Westchester counties, is home to many families connected to law enforcement and has a notable Jewish voter demographic.
Lawler, a long-time Republican figure, is aiming for a third term, while Conley, an Army veteran and West Point graduate, is making her debut in politics after winning a competitive Democratic primary.
