News 12 to Host NY-17 Congressional Debate Between Mike Lawler and Cait Conley
NEW YORK, NY – September 17, 2026 – News 12 will host a televised debate between U.S. Representative Mike Lawler and Democratic challenger Cait Conley on Monday, September 28, giving voters the chance to hear directly from the candidates at the center of one of the highest-profile congressional races in the country this year, as control of the U.S. House hangs in the balance.
Moderated by News 12 Senior Political Reporter Tara Rosenblum, the debate will bring the two candidates together for their first televised debate of the 2026 general election campaign to answer questions submitted by and asked by news 12 viewers
The recorded debate will air from 8-9 p.m. ET on Monday, September 28 across News 12 platforms.
In the lead-up to the debate, News 12 is putting voters at the center of the conversation by inviting members of the community to submit questions for the candidates. Viewers can submit written questions or video questions through News 12’s online platforms, giving residents an opportunity to raise the issues that matter most to them.
“Elections are an important time for communities to hear directly from the people asking for their vote, and our role is to provide a trusted, independent forum where voters can listen, ask questions and make informed decisions,” said Audrey Gruber, Senior Vice President and General Manager of News 12. “This debate is an opportunity to put the candidates side by side and focus the conversation on the issues that matter most to the people of the Hudson Valley and the communities they hope to represent. We’re proud to bring that conversation to our viewers.”
Rosenblum is News 12’s senior political reporter and a veteran political journalist who has covered some of the biggest political stories and elections of the past two decades. She has interviewed presidents, governors and world leaders, and anchored News 12’s coverage from state and national political conventions. Her knowledge of New York’s 17th Congressional District is extensive, built through years of reporting on its candidates and the issues shaping its elections.
News 12 has a longstanding commitment to providing in-depth political and investigative journalism rooted in the communities it serves. The network has been recognized for its coverage of politics, investigations and local issues, including 86 New York Emmy® Award nominations in 2026.