Democratic U.S. congressional candidate Cait Conley recently appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union,” where she stated she would not campaign alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani or Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. However, she did not directly respond to questions about whether Democrats should reject the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The DSA’s influence in New York is a key issue in her challenge against Republican Representative Mike Lawler.
During the interview, anchor Dana Bash questioned Conley about her willingness to campaign with Mamdani or Ocasio-Cortez, after noting that Lawler has attempted to associate Conley with the Democratic Party’s socialist faction. Conley replied, “No, Dana, I‘m good up here making the case to the voters in the New York 17th Congressional District.”
Lawler’s campaign manager, Ciro Riccardi, later commented to Fox News Digital, saying, “Cait Conley’s refusal to disavow Zohran Mamdani and the DSA is disqualifying. She is just as extreme as the rest and that was exposed today for all to see.” Riccardi also criticized Conley for avoiding debates and accused her of dodging direct questions.
Conley won a crowded Democratic primary in June and is now challenging incumbent Lawler in a contest that many believe could influence control of the House. Her campaign has agreed to participate in two debates hosted by local networks, despite Lawler’s proposal for six debates.
In the same interview, Bash inquired about Representative Tom Suozzi’s call for Democrats to confront the DSA. Conley refrained from explicitly agreeing, instead discussing the political division present in all parties. She emphasized the need to overcome partisanship and extremism, stating, “What we have to focus on is how do we bring people together, and right now, what I see coming out of Washington is corruption on both sides, extremism on both sides that is fueling hate, fueling dysfunction.”
The DSA advocates for policies such as abolishing ICE, redirecting police funding, and universal government-funded healthcare. Lawler’s campaign has highlighted Conley’s relationship with the Democratic Party’s progressive wing following Ocasio-Cortez’s congratulations on her primary victory. Riccardi challenged Conley to clarify her stance regarding progressive policies, asking if she rejects or embraces leaders like Ocasio-Cortez.