This week on Local Matters Westchester, we talk with John Cappello, an Air Force veteran and Democratic candidate for New York’s 17th Congressional District. He’s running against incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, whom he calls not genuinely moderate, questioning the congressman’s support for President Trump, what he describes as his recent performative politics, and votes like the “Big Beautiful Bill.”A Rockland resident, Cappello details the moment he decided to become a pilot, his work honoring World War II heroes through the Halyard Mission Foundation, and how and why he decided to join this race. He explains how his views have evolved and clears up questions about his party registration and political identity. Our conversation also leads him to explain how Barack Obama became the first Democrat he supported for president.We ask Cappello about the Gaza hostage deal, the government shutdown, and health care, along with local concerns like affordability, housing, and education. He says his campaign is rooted in leadership and practical problem-solving over partisanship.We’ve invited all the candidates (Democrats and Lawler alike) to join us in this ongoing congressional race series, as local and national attention continues to focus on this key swing district.

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