Hudson Valley Democrat endorses Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in highly contentious race
Ally Chemtob endorsed Lawler earlier this week.
More Stories
A Democratic member of the New Castle town board is throwing her support behind 17th Congressional District Republican Rep. Mike Lawler. It's in one of the most hotly contested races in the nation.
Ally Chemtob endorsed Lawler earlier this week. She said during that endorsement that she wasn't speaking as a public official but as a proud Jewish mother.
She says she's endorsing Lawler because of his stance on Israel and addressing antisemitism.
"This issue is the most important issue to me right now, making sure that my children are safe in the world, that Jewish Americans are not being forced out of public life," said Chemtob.
That endorsement has gained strong reactions on social media.
The New Castle Democratic Committee clarified in a post on Facebook that Chemtob is not a member of the committee. She was endorsed for town board in 2023.
"It is important that there be no confusion: she does not represent, speak for, or hold membership in the New Castle Democratic Committee," the Facebook post read in part.
The co-chairs of the committee told News 12 that Lawler's Democratic opponent, Cait Conley, also supports these critical issues.
"As a Jewish Democratic woman, I am confident that Cait Conley will fight antisemitism and hate in all its forms while upholding all the democratic values that we hold dear," said New Castle Democratic Committee Co-Chair Randee Glazer.
News 12 is waiting to hear back from Conley.
"Ally and I both agree that it’s our duty as elected officials to put the needs of our constituents ahead of party politics, and I deeply appreciate her courage and support," a statement from Lawler read in part.
