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Three weeks after Congressman Lawler first called for six televised debates, Cait Conley has yet to accept a single one, and has still not agreed to the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce candidate forum.

Pearl River, NY – 7/15/2026… The Lawler for Congress campaign today renewed its demand that Democratic nominee Cait Conley accept Congressman Mike Lawler’s standing challenge to six televised debates across New York’s 17th Congressional District, and further called on Conley to accept the candidate forum hosted by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce – an invitation she has, to date, also failed to accept.

Congressman Lawler first issued the six-debate challenge on June 23, the night Conley won the Democratic primary. “We all commend Cait’s military service, but the people of the Hudson Valley don’t vote for resumes, they vote for results,” Lawler said at the time. “That is why I am challenging Cait tonight to six televised debates.”

On July 7, Congressman Lawler renewed the challenge in a formal letter to the Conley campaign, noting that absentee ballots will be mailed to voters in just over two months and that there is ample time to organize the first debate this month. The letter also cited LoHud’s call that Conley “owes it to voters” to debate. Congressman Lawler has already authorized his campaign manager and general consultant to begin working with the Conley campaign immediately to schedule the first debate, but they have not yet heard from Cait Conley’s team.

On July 10, Congressman Lawler renewed the challenge a third time, this time on national television. Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press NOW, Lawler said: “I challenge her again to six televised debates. And I would welcome you, Kristen, to host one immediately. There’s no reason why we should wait until October or late September. Let’s get it started now.” Kristen Welker responded on air: “We’re going to track it very closely. And as you know, I like a good debate, Congressman. So let’s see what happens.” With one of the nation’s most respected political journalists openly signaling her interest in hosting a debate, Conley’s continued silence is inexcusable.

Conley’s refusal to engage extends beyond the debate stage. The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce has a long tradition of hosting congressional candidate forums where Hudson Valley employers and workers can question the candidates directly. Congressman Lawler is prepared to participate. Conley has not yet agreed. The campaign today calls on her to accept the Chamber’s forum without further delay.

New York’s 17th Congressional District, spanning Rockland, Putnam, Westchester, and Dutchess counties, is rated the only true toss-up district in New York by the Cook Political Report, and the outcome may well determine control of the House of Representatives. Voters deserve every opportunity to compare the candidates side by side, in their own words, before ballots go out.

Lawler for Congress spokesman Chris Russell issued the following statement reacting to Cait’s ongoing debate dodging:

“Three weeks ago, Congressman Lawler challenged Cait Conley to six televised debates. Since then: She’s dodging and making excuses. Meet the Press’ Kristen Welker said on national television she’d welcome a good debate. The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is ready to host a forum. Ballots go out in just over two months. It’s time Cait Conley stopped hiding behind canned talking points and safe audiences. If she wants to represent the Hudson Valley, she can start by showing up and facing tough questions. So let’s go, Cait. Let’s have these debates.”

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