WATCH: Mike Lawler and Cait Conley clash in first debate | Full NY-17 Debate

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley meet for their first televised debate in New York’s 17th Congressional District, one of the most closely watched House races in the country. The candidates answer voter questions and debate the economy, housing affordability, energy costs, Social Security, tariffs, immigration, Medicaid, reproductive rights, artificial intelligence, Israel, Iran and antisemitism. Watch the complete News 12 debate and hear the candidates make their case directly to Hudson Valley voters. 0:00 Debate Preview 1:11 Debate Introduction 2:00 Cait Conley Opening Statement 2:41 Mike Lawler Opening Statement 3:20 Cost of Living & Housing Crisis 7:20 Utility Bills, Energy Costs & Indian Point 12:09 Social Security 14:29 Tariffs & Trump's Trade Policy 17:18 College Costs & Student Loan Debt 19:56 Candidate Lightning Round 21:03 Israel, Gaza & Military Aid 25:20 Antisemitism, Zohran Mamdani & Party Divisions 27:02 Palestinian State Recognition 28:40 Combating Antisemitism 30:03 Immigration, Sanctuary Policies & Public Safety 34:10 Pathway to Citizenship & ICE Reform 37:14 Iran & U.S. Military Involvement 38:20 Reproductive Rights & Abortion Access 40:30 Mental Health & Healthcare 43:30 Artificial Intelligence Regulation 46:30 AI Industry Ties Clash 48:00 Data Centers in the Hudson Valley 51:00 Flock Cameras & Privacy Debate 53:00 Closing Statements 54:00 Final Remarks Stay connected to the stories shaping your community with News 12, the Tri-State area's trusted source for breaking news, weather, traffic, crime, politics, sports, and community coverage. 🔔 Subscribe to News 12: https://bit.ly/4dyeWzd 🎬 Subscribe to News 12 Originals: https://bit.ly/4dyeWzd   About News 12 News 12 is the Tri-State area's exclusive 24-hour local news network, delivering breaking news, weather, traffic, sports, and community coverage across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Connect with News 12 📺 Where to Watch News 12: https://bit.ly/3Var02B 🌐 Visit News12.com: https://bit.ly/44CsG89 📘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/4agiXWl 📸 Instagram: https://bit.ly/44E6SJw 🐦 X: https://bit.ly/4dyezVl 📺 Watch in2: https://in2.network/where-to-watch #News12 #BreakingNews #LocalNews #Election2026 #Vote2026 #NY17 #Debate #Politics