President Donald Trump’s planned appearance with Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., in Rockland County on Friday is drawing reactions from political candidates and elected officials across New York’s Hudson Valley ahead of a closely watched congressional race.
Supporters have promoted the visit as a major political event for the region, while several Democrats seeking to challenge Lawler have criticized Trump’s involvement in the district.
Why Trump Is Visiting Rockland County
Trump is scheduled to appear Friday afternoon at the Eugene Levy Fieldhouse at Rockland Community College in Suffern.
The White House said the event will focus on affordability and federal tax cuts, including provisions from last year’s tax and spending package such as tax breaks for tips, overtime pay and some seniors’ income, along with an expanded state and local tax deduction, known as SALT.
Lawler has made increasing the SALT deduction a major issue for suburban New York taxpayers.
The visit comes as New York’s 17th Congressional District remains one of the nation’s most competitive House battlegrounds ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats Running In NY-17 Respond
Five Democrats are running in the June 23 primary for the chance to challenge Lawler in November:
The district includes Rockland and Putnam counties, along with parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties.
The USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team contacted all five candidates for comment. Two candidates publicly responded or posted reactions online.
Cait Conley Criticizes Visit
Conley issued a statement criticizing Lawler for bringing Trump to the district.
“Donald Trump is coming to the Hudson Valley for one reason: Mike Lawler is scared,” Conley said, accusing Lawler of prioritizing politics over local issues affecting working families.
Conley, a military veteran, said leadership means “choosing country over party” and argued Hudson Valley voters deserve representatives focused on affordability and local concerns.
Beth Davidson Questions Trump Agenda
Davidson criticized the visit in social media posts, questioning whether the event would focus on immigration policies, Medicaid cuts and rising costs for residents.
She also used the moment to highlight her local legislative record and campaign priorities.
Republicans Welcome Trump To Region
Local Republicans have promoted Trump’s visit online ahead of Friday’s event.
The Rockland County Republican Party shared event information and encouraged supporters to attend.
State Sen. Bill Weber also welcomed the visit, calling it a historic moment for Rockland County.
“President Trump’s visit to Rockland County marks the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to Rockland in half a century,” Weber said in a statement.
Weber praised Trump’s economic policies and support for increasing the SALT deduction.
A Rare Presidential Stop In Rockland County
According to local historical accounts, the last sitting president or presidential candidate to visit Rockland County was Gerald Ford during his 1976 reelection campaign.
Trump’s appearance also comes about a month before New York’s June 23 primary elections, adding even more attention to the already high-profile NY-17 race.
Contributing: USA Today Network
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Trump’s New York visit sparks strong reactions ahead of key House race
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
