WASHINGTON — Hudson Valley Democrat Cait Conley faced criticism regarding her stance on transgender issues in the National Republican Congressional Committee’s (NRCC) initial attack ad against her candidacy for the New York congressional seat. The ad targeted Conley’s opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which contains a provision to block Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for gender-affirming treatments.
The NRCC ad emphasized Conley's financial support from the Equality PAC, which opposed similar legislation banning taxpayer funding for puberty blockers and hormone treatments for individuals under 18. The narrator of the ad stated, "Cait Conley took thousands from extreme groups pushing transgender sex changes for kids. The consequences — irreversible. The cost — outrageous. It’s dangerous. It’s wrong. And it’s Cait Conley’s agenda."
The NRCC also alleged that Conley supports taxpayer funding for sex changes for minors. The New York Post reached out to Conley’s campaign for clarification on her position regarding this claim. According to campaign finance disclosures, Conley received at least $10,000 from the Equality PAC.
The ad mentioned that one of the medications used in hormonal treatments for transgender youth has been associated with chemical castration in sex offenders. Conley, a decorated special operations combat veteran, is in a competitive race against Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) in New York’s 17th District. Lawler has criticized Conley for her opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a provision he advocated for that increased the federal cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions from $10,000 to $40,000.
SALT deductions are a significant issue for New Yorkers due to high state taxes. Following a Supreme Court decision in June, the NRCC and other party campaign groups can now coordinate with candidates in challenging races. The NRCC reportedly has over $92 million in cash on hand to support congressional candidates in competitive districts, according to the Federal Election Commission. Some Republicans nationwide have focused on their Democratic opponents' positions on transgender issues. The Mayo Clinic has stated that some effects of hormonal therapy and puberty blockers on children may not be reversible.