Cait Conley, a combat veteran and former national security adviser, is making waves in the Democratic primary for New York’s 17th Congressional District. Her candidacy has attracted attention not only for her military background but also for her connections to defense contractors involved in artificial intelligence and surveillance technologies. As she vies for a seat previously held by Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, her campaign is navigating complex issues surrounding national security, immigration, and the ethical implications of AI.
Conley’s financial disclosures reveal that she earned over $80,000 from two defense contractors, Primer and Hidden Level, between January 2024 and July 2025. Both firms are known for their partnerships with Palantir, a surveillance technology company co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel. These companies have contracts with the federal government, including work related to border surveillance and military applications. Hidden Level, for instance, has been involved in monitoring unauthorized drone activity, while Primer has received significant contracts from the Department of Defense, totaling at least $7.2 million since 2021.
The implications of Conley’s ties to these companies are significant. Albert Fox Cahn, a civil rights attorney and former head of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, expressed concerns about the potential for technology to be weaponized against vulnerable communities. He noted that the intersection of national security and surveillance often raises more questions than it answers, particularly in a political climate where such language can mask harmful policies.
Conley’s campaign manager, Emily Goldson, emphasized that Conley views AI as both an opportunity and a risk for the middle class. She aims to shape AI policy to benefit working Americans rather than further enrich billionaires. This perspective is crucial in a district that has seen its fair share of political upheaval, particularly after the Democrats lost several seats in the 2022 midterms.
In her campaign, Conley has walked a fine line on immigration and national security. She has criticized former President Trump for deploying the military in U.S. cities and has pledged to hold Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accountable for its actions. Her campaign website outlines her commitment to national security while also advocating for reforms in the immigration system. This dual approach may resonate with voters who are concerned about both safety and civil rights.
However, Conley’s recent registration as a Democrat and her relatively short time in the district have drawn criticism. Some opponents have pointed out that many of her campaign contributions come from outside the district, raising questions about her local support. Despite these challenges, Conley has positioned herself as a leader who takes public service seriously, distancing herself from traditional political norms.
As the primary approaches, Conley faces competition from several candidates, including tech entrepreneur Peter Chatzky and Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson. Each contender brings unique perspectives on the pressing issues facing the district, from infrastructure to economic policy. Conley’s military experience and her stance on national security may give her an edge, but her connections to defense contractors could also be a double-edged sword.
The race in New York’s 17th District is emblematic of a broader trend in American politics, where candidates with ties to the tech and defense industries must navigate the complexities of public perception and accountability. Voters are increasingly aware of the implications of surveillance technologies and the role they play in national security. As Cahn noted, there is a growing recognition that many tech firms operate in ways that may conflict with the values held by the Democratic Party and the electorate at large.
In this pivotal moment, Conley’s campaign will likely serve as a litmus test for how voters prioritize national security, civil rights, and the ethical implications of technology in governance. As the primary date approaches, the outcome will not only shape the future of the 17th District but also reflect the evolving landscape of American political values in the face of rapid technological advancement.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research