Tuesday Election Day: Five Candidates Compete In New York’s 17th District Democratic Primary

Yisroel R.

Several primary elections are taking place today, including local races and party contests across Rockland and the surrounding area.

One of the races drawing attention is the Democratic primary for New York’s 17th Congressional District, where five candidates are competing for the nomination to challenge Republican Congressman Mike Lawler in the upcoming general election in November.

The 17th District includes all of Rockland and Putnam counties, along with parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties. The race is expected to remain a closely watched congressional contest, as Democrats look to flip the seat currently held by Lawler.

The five Democratic candidates on the ballot are Effie Guadalupe Phillips-Staley, Cait Conley, Beth Davidson, John Cappello, and Michael Sacks.

Davidson, a Rockland County legislator and former Nyack school board member, has focused her campaign on local government experience, affordability, public safety, housing, and environmental issues. She has described herself as a bipartisan problem-solver with a record of working across the aisle.

Conley, an Army veteran and former National Security Council official, has centered much of her campaign on national security, protecting democracy, government accountability, healthcare, and lowering costs for families.

Phillips-Staley, a Tarrytown village trustee and longtime social justice activist, has positioned herself as the more progressive candidate in the race, focusing on issues including Medicare for All, universal child care, housing, human rights, and opposition to corporate influence in politics.

Sacks, a lawyer and former political and legal journalist, has campaigned on progressive economic issues, democracy, corporate accountability, housing, childcare costs, and protecting voting rights.

Cappello, a retired Air Force veteran from Rockland, has highlighted his military and foreign policy experience, including work connected to international security, while also focusing on housing, healthcare, and government reform.

Today’s primary is expected to be closely contested, with the winner moving on to what is expected to be a competitive general election in November.

Polls are open today from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at regular polling locations throughout the district. Voters who are registered with the Democratic Party are eligible to participate in the primary and cast their ballots in the race. Voters are encouraged to double-check their polling location online beforehand.