Cait Conley (D), Beth Davidson (D), Effie Phillips-Staley (D), and three other candidates are running in the Democratic primary for New York's 17th Congressional District on June 23, 2026. As of April 2026, Conley, Davidson, and Phillips-Staley led in endorsements, fundraising, and local media attention.

Decision Desk HQ and Roll Call both included incumbent Michael Lawler (R) on their lists of most vulnerable U.S. House incumbents in 2026. Lawler defeated incumbent Sean Maloney (D) 50.3%–49.7% in 2022 and challenger Mondaire Jones (D) 52.1%–45.8% in 2024. The Peekskill Herald quoted Pace University professor Stephen Rolandi as saying, "We’re looking at a very close election for control of the House...Michael Lawler’s seat fits in that equation because if the Dems can get that one back they’re probably on their way to a majority in the House." Reporting on Conley, Davidson, and Phillips-Staley appearing at an April 9 candidate forum, The Journal News' Chris McKenna said, "With few sharp policy differences among them, each sought to stand out based on their personal and professional backgrounds and feats in local offices and public service."

Conley is a U.S. Army veteran. Conley served on the National Security Council and at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency under President Joe Biden (D). Her campaign website says she has "the courage to do what’s right, the strength to fight and win against Donald Trump and his enablers like Mike Lawler, and the leadership to deliver results on Day One."

Davidson was elected to the Rockland County Legislature in 2024. Davidson served on the Nyack Board of Education from 2017 to 2023. Davidson is running on her record in office and an emphasis on bipartisanship. Davidson's campaign website says she has "worked across the aisle [in county government], sponsoring a household gun safety law and partnering with Republicans to cut property taxes and hire additional patrol officers to keep families safe."

Phillips-Staley was elected to the Tarrytown Village Board of Trustees in 2021. Phillips-Staley is running on her experience in office and as a nonprofit executive. Phillips-Staley's campaign website says she has "dedicated her life to social justice and public service...She is running for Congress because this moment demands transformational change, not politics as usual that serve corporations and the ultra-rich while working families fall behind."

Also running in the primary are John Cappello (D), Jessica Reinmann (D), and Mike Sacks (D).

As of April 2026, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Inside Elections with Nathan Gonzales rated the general election Toss-up. Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Lean Republican.