Cait Conley faces tariff criticism in New York congressional race

Democratic candidate Cait Conley faced criticism from Republican opponent Rep. Mike Lawler regarding her stance on tariffs during a candidate forum in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Conley, who has previously described import tariffs as “reckless,” stated during a lightning round of questions at the Dutchess County Chamber of Commerce forum that certain fees justified for “national security” are reasonable, noting, “Yes, in principle.”

Rep. Lawler characterized the response as a reversal of her previous positions. The contest for New York’s 17th Congressional District is a key tossup race in the Hudson Valley, with implications for Democratic efforts to gain control of the House of Representatives.