Lawler concedes to Democrat Cait Conley in New York House race

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) has conceded to Democrat Cait Conley in the race to represent New York’s 17th Congressional District, as a key battleground seat is now poised to flip and add to Democrats newly projected House advantage .

The Hill’s partner Decision Desk HQ has not yet called the race.

“When all of the votes are counted tomorrow in Westchester it’s going to be pretty clear we’re going to be short,” Lawler told supporters on Tuesday night. “I have never been afforded in any of my elections a concession on election night and I fundamentally believe it’s the right thing to do. And so I congratulate Cait on her win and wish her well as our next member of Congress.”

The race drew national attention and significant financial resources from both parties, as Republicans sought to preserve their narrow majority in the lower chamber.

Lawler sought to cast himself as a bipartisan lawmaker willing to work across the aisle, while Conley distanced herself from the left flank of her party and sought to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with President Trump and his administration, particularly over the economy and the war in Iran.

Lawler’s defeat marks a major setback for House Republicans as Democrats notch a key pickup.

During his time in Congress, Lawler occasionally broke from his party on high-profile issues and sought to position himself as a moderate voice in a deeply divided House.

He was among four Republicans who signed a Democratic-backed discharge petition to force a vote on legislation that would extend the now-expired Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years. He also championed efforts to lift the cap on state and local tax deductions, a particularly significant issue for his district.

Lawler also clashed with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) during a heated showdown last year amid the government shutdown. Their exchange went viral on social media, underscoring the tensions between the two New York lawmakers.

In perhaps one of the more unusual endorsements of the race, Lawler secured the backing of Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine). But those cross-party credentials ultimately were not enough to save his seat.

Conley, meanwhile, secured endorsements from several national organizations and PACs, including the League of Conservation Voters, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Defend the Vote. Jeffries had also stumped for her on the campaign trail.

She sought to distance herself from the Democratic Socialists of America, of which New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) is a member. During a September debate, Conley said she had “firm disagreements” with members of the organization.