On October 25, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who may be the next Speaker of the House, came to Peekskill to rally democrats for Cait Conley in NY-17. The rally, held at Peekskill Riverfront Park, drew a lively crowd of local residents, union members, and elected officials to support Democrats in one of the most important races for control of Congress.
Jeffries joined Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley, a combat veteran and West Point graduate, is challenging Republican incumbent Mike Lawler in New York’s 17th District. Also on stage were lieutenant governor candidate Adrienne Adams, State Senator Pete Harckham, Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie, and organizers from 1199SEIU.
Jeffries framed the coming election not merely as a routine vote but as a moment of accountability. He criticized policies he linked to rising costs, healthcare cuts, and broader national challenges, while praising Conley as a leader ready for the moment. “Here in the Hudson Valley, we have a great leader who has emerged for such a time as this, Cait Conley,” said Jeffries.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Peekskill showed up today. This afternoon I joined a packed Early Vote Rally in Peekskill to get out the vote. It was great to stand with Cait Conley, candidate for Congress in NY-17, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Lieutenant Governor candidate Adrienne Adams, State Senator Pete Harckham, and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg. Thank you to 1199SEIU, the Peekskill Democrats, the Cortlandt Democratic Committee, and NY Dems for bringing so many neighbors together.
The energy out there was incredible. Rallying with neighbors who are ready to flip NY-17 reminded me how much is at stake this year. Cait is a leader who will fight for us in Congress, and with her, we’ll move NY-17 FORWARD.
Assemblymember Dana Levenberg said, “To build healthy communities here in the Hudson Valley, we need better representation in Congress. That’s why we are ready to elect Cait Conley and make Hakeem Jeffries the next Speaker of the House!”
Conley herself spoke about fighting for working families, lowering costs, and restoring integrity in government. “He (Lawler) talks about being proud of his service while in Congress. I have to tell you, if I were him, I wouldn’t be proud. You see, after 9/11, I had the privilege of serving this nation. My alma mater just up the river (West Point) instilled in me the ethos of duty, honor, country. That ethos is the foundation of my life of public service. Fighting for our community, our families, and our country.”