News & Press

The Putnam County Democrats have endorsed Cait Conley in the race for New York’s 17th Congressional District.   The electorate is clamoring for ethical leadership that solves real problems, recognizing that Putnam has been headed in the wrong direction when it comes to quality of life and economic opportunity.

“In a race among strong Democratic candidates, Cait Conley has the x-factor that  we think will give us the best chance to beat Mike Lawler in November,” said Jennifer Colamonico, Chair of the Putnam County Democratic Committee. “Cait Conley has already been steadfast in her support for Putnam since day one, and we can’t wait to have this kind of partnership when we send her to Washington to represent us.”

Putnam Democrats have watched these candidates over the past year, inviting them to our meetings, watching how they have evolved and built their campaigns. Many district leaders feel positively about all the candidates, including those who have already stepped away from the race. “The quality of candidates in this year has truly shown the best of the Democratic party, representing a broad range of interests and ideologies. While the next two months will be heated, we have to remember that the true goal is winning back this seat and winning back some semblance of control over the absolute disaster in Washington, DC. This election cannot come a moment too soon.”

While there are five candidates in the race, only four received a nomination. On the first ballot, Cait was the decisive winner with 63% of the vote. “Putnam County Democrats are already knocking doors and talking to voters about our outstanding slate of candidates all across the ballot. We look forward to working hard to get Cait across the primary finish line, and then no matter what working even harder to elect the entire Democratic slate in the fall.”

The Putnam County Democratic Committee declined to make an endorsement in the race for State Senate District 39, which includes candidates Evan Menist, Lisa Kaul, and Dr. Gay Lee. The two towns in the district - Philipstown and Putnam Valley - felt that both Menist and Kaul were outstanding candidates.

Putnam Democrats put up record numbers of petition signatures to get these candidates on the ballot. With high levels of fundraising and volunteer engagement, we believe the winds of change are blowing at our backs this year. The complete list of endorsed candidates can be found on our website:  Endorsed Candidates 2026 — Putnam County Democrats:

Cait Conley, CD17

Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Dist 95

State Senator Peter Harckham, Dist 40

Daniel Guzmán for State Assembly, District 94

Putnam Valley Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur

Philipstown Supervisor John VanTassel

Alex Sewell for Kent Town Supervisor

Lynne Eckardt for Southeast Town Supervisor

Brett Yarris for County Executive

Dr. Michael Strauss for County Coroner

Maya Gilleo for County Legislator, District 2

Kathy Kahng for County Legislator, District 3

Gwendolyn Burke for County Legislator, District 8