Cait Conley, a special ops combat veteran and former Director of Counterterrorism on the National Security Council (which she says got her “banned from Russia”), is running as a Democrat for New York’s 17th Congressional district, a seat currently held by Republican Mike Lawler.
After the Trump administration indicted and captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Conley wrote on social media: “Maduro was a ruthless dictator who refused to accept the outcome of multiple elections. The Venezuelan people deserve democracy, not threats of an American occupation. Donald Trump must follow the law and Congress needs to do its job. ‘We’re going to run it’ is dangerous, dumb, AND illegal without congressional authorization. This administration continues to demonstrate they don’t understand what they’re doing beyond making a headline.”
Thanks @lawler4ny. Appreciate you admitting your support for New York taxpayers footing the bill to “run” Venezuela and give corrupt kickbacks to billionaire oil execs. Great contrast between us. I was hunting terrorists and you’re still hunting for Trump’s approval. https://t.co/rok168d870
— Cait Conley (@CaitforNewYork) January 4, 2026
Lawler replied to his Democratic opponent: “So, @CaitforNewYork, you were the Director of Counterterrorism on the Biden National Security Council, during the fall of Kabul and the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and you are criticizing this administration for not knowing what they are doing? The Biden Admin put a $25M bounty on Maduro’s head and refused to recognize him as the legitimate President of Venezuela — that was the right decision. Sadly, they did nothing to actually effectuate that policy and tried to cut deals with Maduro.”
Lawler added: “The entire operation lasted 3 hours and Congress was notified within the statutorily required 48-hrs. We will be further briefed on it in the days ahead. Don’t be another hyper partisan that just plays politics and repeats the same talking points from your party leadership — we have enough of those in Washington.”
Conley replied to Lawler: “Thanks @lawler4ny. Appreciate you admitting your support for New York taxpayers footing the bill to ‘run’ Venezuela and give corrupt kickbacks to billionaire oil execs. Great contrast between us. I was hunting terrorists and you’re still hunting for Trump’s approval.”
Let’s try this again @CaitforNewYork. You’re a candidate for Congress now, and videos of your workout routine (while impressive) aren’t a qualification for federal office. You owe voters an explanation for why you believe it was acceptable for the Biden administration (of which… https://t.co/0e5v9rYiNd
— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) January 4, 2026
Lawler replied, mocking his opponent: “Let’s try this again #CaitforNewYork. You’re a candidate for Congress now, and videos of your workout routine (while impressive) aren’t a qualification for federal office.”
Our country is at a crossroads right now, and the politicians who got us into this mess are not going to be the ones who fix it. Throughout my career I was called upon to solve the toughest problems. And that’s why I’m running for Congress – to help fix a broken system and fight… pic.twitter.com/mK2JYkqhTt
— Cait Conley (@CaitforNewYork) March 24, 2025
Conley replied: “You’ve had enough ‘tries’ @lawler4NY—that’s why I’m running to beat you. Stop lying to cover up your support for Trump wanting to ‘run’ Venezuela. The only person you are trying for is Trump.”
In a November article — “Moderate or ‘MAGA Mike’? Lawler eyes 3rd term as Dems circle for hottest House seat” — where the title lays bare Lawler’s challenging balancing GOP act, Lohud.com reporter Chris McKenna reports at least eight Democrats are vying to challenge Lawler in the competitive district.
