Conley to Take on Lawler in November; McCracken, Cunningham Win GOP Primaries in Legislative Races

Winner of the Democratic primary for Congressional District 17 Cait Conley on election night. Provided photo. 

By Holly Crocco

Cait Conley won the Democratic primary for Congress in the 17th district, with CBS News reporting that she took 50 percent of the vote. Challenger Beth Davidson earned 32 percent and Effie Phillips-Staley received 15 percent. Conley will take on Mike Lawler in November.

In Putnam County, Conley received 57 percent of the vote (2,825 votes), while Davidson received 21.5 percent (1,063 votes) and Phillips-Staley earned 18.5 percent (911 votes).

“Thank you to the voters of New York’s 17th district who trusted me with their vote to be our fighter who takes on Mike Lawler in November,” Conley said on election night. “To everyone who voted for another candidate, I look forward to the opportunity to earn your support in taking back the Hudson Valley. We are united now by something much bigger than any one campaign: the fight to defeat Mike Lawler, take back the House, check this administration, and deliver for the working families of the Hudson Valley.”

Conley’s top challenger, Davidson, congratulated her opponent on a hard-fought win.

“Tonight the voters of NY-17 chose a different path forward, and I congratulate Cait Conley on her win,” Davidson said on election night. “While this outcome is disappointing, my commitment to this community has not changed, and I will work hard to ensure Cait defeats Mike Lawler in November.”

In the race for Putnam County Legislature in District Eight, which represents Mahopac Falls, Mahopac School Board Trustee Tanner McCracken defeated Carmel Town Councilman Frank Lombardi by a vote of 586 to 200 (74 to 25 percent).

“Tonight, the people spoke and they spoke loudly,” Tanner said after the election, calling his win “a victory for taxpayers over the insiders, for neighbors over the political establishment, and for the hardworking families who are tired of being taxed out of their homes.”

Lombardi secured the endorsement of the Carmel Republican Committee, prompting McCracken to force a primary election. McCracken was endorsed by the Putnam County Conservative Party and will now appear on both the Republican and Conservative lines in the November general election.

“Mahopac Republicans voted for affordability, accountability, and a new direction,” said McCracken. “The days of politics as usual are over… To those who have been standing in the way of real reform, the message couldn’t be clearer: get on board with the everyday people of Putnam County or get out of the way. A new day has arrived, and we’re just getting started.”

After the results came in, Lombardi thanked all his supporters, noting, “I will still be a voice of reason and common sense on the town board that I am proud to continue to serve into 2027.”

He will face Democrat Gwen Burke in November.

Joseph Cunningham defeated Kent Town Board member Jorma Tompuri by a vote of 287 to 180 (61 to 38 percent) in the Republican primary for Putnam County Legislature in District Three, which represents the Town of Kent.

“We crushed it,” Cunningham announced on social media after his win. “We will continue and win in November. Thank you everybody for your support, all the hard work has paid off. I will work my butt off for everybody.”

He will face Democrat Kathy Kahng in November.

In the 39th State Senate district, which represents Putnam Valley and Philipstown, as well as parts of Dutchess, Orange and Rockland counties, Lisa Kaul was victorious in the Democratic primary. She will challenge incumbent Republican Robert Rolison in the fall.

In Putnam County, Kaul took 56 percent of the vote (1,184), while Evan Menist received 36 percent (765) and Gay Lee got 7 percent (155).

Kathleen Valletta-McMorrow, Robin Fillhart, and Anna Walsh were elected to the Town of Kent Democratic Committee in ED 1; while Thomas Broderick, Noreen Greco, Michele Netter, and Edward Kearns were elected to the Town of Kent Republican committee in ED 5.

Andrew DeStefano, Anthony Acosta, Paul Zazzero, and Edgar Majgual were elected to the Town of Patterson Republican Committee in ED 1; while Jennifer Caruso, Kevin Butler, Mary Butler, and Jennifer Bumgarner were elected to the Town of Patterson Republican Committee for ED 5.

Joseph Capasso, Kimberly Brennan, and Richard Williams Sr., were elected to the Town of Patterson Republican Committee for ED 6. As of press time, Gisele Cott and Larry Maxwell were tied for the fourth seat.

Michael Gallgher, Susan Brown, Linda Griffin, and Michael Griffin were elected to the Town of Patterson Republican Committee for ED 7.