Polling Average
30%20%10%0%
26.2%
20.8%
10%
8.6%
Democrat
John Cappello
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in New York
NY-17 Democratic nominee?
$119.4K
JUN 30, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — NY-17 Democratic nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
1%chance to win
$119.4KJUN 30, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleU.S. Air Force officer (retired)
PartyDemocratic
LocationNew York
BackgroundU.S. Air Force officer (retired)
EducationUnited States Air Force Academy (appointment/graduate)
Show moreShow less
Notable personal detailsJohn Cappello is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in New York’s 17th Congressional District in the 2026 cycle. He is a retired U.S. Air Force officer who served for more than 24 years, including as a B-1 bomber pilot and as an Air Force/defense attaché at U.S. embassies in Serbia and Israel. He has also worked in national security roles after military service, including as a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and serves as president of the Halyard Mission Foundation.
SourcesShowHide
fec.govdocquery.fec.govcappelloforcongress.comhalyardmission.orgthecandidate.comlegislature.rocklandcountyny.govballotready.orgvoterhq.comwestchesterdems.orgnorthcastleny.govonyourballot.vote411.orgelections.ny.govossiningdems.orghighlandscurrent.orgnystateofpolitics.comlongisland.news12.comorangecountygov.comreddit.comchautauquacountyny.goven.wikipedia.orgtheexaminernews.comtherecorder.orgjglaw.lawpolitics1.comsignalhire.comrocklandnews.comm.thegreenpapers.comintch.orgspiritofamerica.orgopenpayrolls.comopenoversight.comammarforcongress.compappas.house.govfinance.senate.govcisneros.house.govjayapal.house.govhealthcareforaction.cominstagram.comfacebook.comdavidmckaywilson.substack.comny1.comnypost.comabcnews.comthe-downballot.comyonkerstimes.comlohud.comballotpedia.orgbluevoterguide.orgactionnetwork.orgcourthousenews.comgovinfo.govcongress.govhistory.house.govjustfacts.votesmart.orgvotesmart.org
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Healthcare
John Cappello has said the United States should be able to solve its healthcare affordability problems and identifies healthcare costs as a major constituent concern, but he has not published detailed policy proposals on his campaign website. Public interviews and local reporting show general support for improving affordability without specifying positions such as supporting a public option, Medicare expansion, or market-based reforms.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedSep 2, 2026
John Cappello is in the news as part of the crowded Democratic primary in New York’s 17th Congressional District, a key swing seat in the fight for House control. Recent coverage says Cait Conley has won the primary, which means Cappello is no longer in the race if that projection holds. The district has drawn heavy attention because Republicans are defending the seat and the general election is expected to be closely watched.
fec.gov+54
Articles
NNewsmax4 months ago
Trump Joins Lawler to Test Economic Pitch in Competitive New York District
Neutral
SSFGATE3 months ago
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in New York’s state primary
Neutral
WEWashington Examiner5 months ago
Mike Lawler faces constituents angry over Iran war support in town hall
Neutral
WPWhite Plains Journal News5 months ago
President Trump endorses Mike Lawler in NY-17 congressional race
Neutral
Latest Polls
NY-17 Democratic nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
John Cappello currently averages 1.0%, ranking 6th in this race, 1.6 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 1.0%Position: 6thMargin: -1.6 ptsLatest poll: 1.0% (Jun 15 - 16)Polls included: 5
Average recalculated from polls through Jun 15 - 16.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
Total raisedCash on hand
$78.8K
$59.1K
$39.4K
$19.7K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$78.8K
$13.5K
$75.7K
$4.2K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements