Michael Lawler

Michael Lawler was born in Suffern, New York and lives in Pearl River, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Manhattan College in 2009. Lawler's career experience includes working on political campaigns, as Executive Director for the New York Republican Party, as a partner with Checkmate Strategies, and as the deputy town supervisor for Orangetown, New York.[1][2][3] From 2021 to 2022, Lawler served as a member of the New York State Assembly.

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Campaign websiteLawler's campaign website stated the following:Deliver Real Tax Relief So You Keep More of What You EarnWhile Albany politicians tax, toll, and fee you to death, Congressman Mike Lawler has delivered significant tax relief for Hudson Valley’s working families, seniors, and small businesses.Voted for the new Working Families Tax Cut that saves the average Hudson Valley family nearly $4,000 this yearTaking on his own party to quadruple the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 – delivering thousands of dollars in tax relief to over 90% of Hudson Valley residentsExpanding the $2,200 Child Tax Credit, helping 16 million more low-income families with children qualify for reliefEliminating taxes on Social Security income for 88% of Hudson Valley seniors so they can afford to stay in their homes and retire with dignity near loved onesSlashing taxes on tips and overtime pay for workers to improve the cost of living and help people keep more of what they earnVoting for small business tax credits to make childcare accessible and affordable. Parents should not have to choose between going to work and taking care of their kidsLed the fight against Gov. Hochul’s absurd congestion pricing plan – a $5,000/year commuter tax on hardworking Hudson Valley families just trying to get to workIntroduced legislation to provide tax credits for school supplies and youth organized sports equipment to ensure parents are able to provide for their children.In the New York State Assembly, Lawler built his record fighting for local taxpayers:Established a 10% property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnelPushed to establish a tax credit to offset utility bill increasesSupported eliminating state sales tax on everyday necessitiesIntroduced legislation to double the STAR Property Tax Relief benefit for seniorsMake Healthcare More Affordable and AccessibleMike Lawler has frequently crossed party lines and fought for commonsense measures to make healthcare more affordable and accessible – particularly for the most vulnerable.Forced a House vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and helped trigger a bipartisan vote to prevent premium increases for millions of Americans. Introduced the HEAL Act (H.R. 5277) to make care more affordable by eliminating travel deductibles, increasing mileage reimbursement rates, and funding transportation options—helping patients access care without added financial burden.Introduced the Preserving Local Medicaid Access Act (H.R. 4339) to protect federal Medicaid funding for local governments, ensuring communities can maintain critical health services for low-income families.Introduced the Doctors in Our Borders Act (H.R. 4875) to expand the healthcare workforce by allowing more U.S.-trained foreign doctors to stay and practice in underserved communities—improving access where shortages are most severe.Introduced the Streamline Emergency Care Act (H.R. 5984) to reduce ER wait times and expand emergency room capacity through targeted federal grants.Advocated for stronger provider access, including opposing cuts to Medicare physician payments and supporting increased residency slots and community health center funding.Protect Social Security & Medicare; Strengthen MedicaidMike Lawler has worked across party lines to protect Social Security and Medicare, and strengthen Medicaid for those who rely on it.Strengthened the Medicaid program to protect coverage for New York’s most vulnerable residents, including low-income individuals, seniors, and single parent householdsEnsured that able-bodied adults without children are required to work, volunteer or attend school 20 hours per week to qualify for Medicaid, and illegal immigrants are now ineligibleChampioned and helped deliver passage of the Social Security Fairness Act – increasing retirement benefits for teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who were being shortchanged by an outdated federal rule. This was the biggest expansion of Social Security benefits in decadesEliminated the tax on Social Security benefits for 88% of seniors – a $6,000 deduction for singles and $12,000 for married couplesLower Energy Costs and End New York's Energy CrisisNew York families are paying some of the highest energy bills in the nation — and it didn’t happen by accident. Albany’s radical energy mandates, rushed timelines, and ideologically driven decisions, such as closing Indian Point, have spiked costs, destabilized the grid, and driven businesses out of the state. Congressman Mike Lawler is fighting back.Advocating to reopen and rebuild the Indian Point Nuclear Energy Center, a clean, reliable, carbon-free source that supplied over 25% of New York City’s electricity before Albany politicians shut it down. Restarting Indian Point is the fiscally responsible solution to lower electricity prices and improve grid stability for millions of New YorkersSupporting an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, because energy independence requires reliable baseload power, not just weather-dependent sources that leave families in the darkFighting to expand natural gas infrastructure to keep home heating bills affordable. Blocking pipeline capacity drives up prices and forces New Yorkers to rely on energy imported from states and countries with lower environmental standardsCalling for the repeal or overhaul of New York’s CLCPA, a costly, unrealistic mandate that is eliminating reliable energy sources, spiking utility rates, and threatening grid reliability. New York’s own grid operator, NYISO, has repeatedly warned that the pace of the transition puts the grid at riskOpposing top-down energy mandates, like all-electric building requirements and forced transition timelines, that raise costs on homeowners and small businesses without delivering meaningful results.Supporting federal permitting reform to speed construction of pipelines, transmission lines, and generation facilities Americans need to lower prices and ensure grid reliability.Support Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and Crack Down on CrimeMike Lawler has been endorsed by law enforcement unions and rank-and-file police for his leadership in fighting against the defund the police agenda and weak on crime policies.Fought for and delivered tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for Hudson Valley law enforcement and first responders Fighting to repeal dangerous cashless bail laws and instill a dangerousness standard when determining bail or pretrial release to prevent dangerous criminals from repeatedly being allowed to walk free and terrorize innocent peopleIntroduced the Schools Want Accountability for Threats (SWAT) Act to increase penalties for swatting attacks targeting schoolsIntroduced the Housing for Heroes Act to expand access to affordable housing options to law enforcement officers and firefightersPromoted bipartisan legislation – the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act – to make childcare more accessible to the men and women of law enforcementPrioritized law enforcement during the congressional appropriations process, providing millions of dollars for the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department for Fiscal Year 2026Stop Waste, Fraud, Abuse & Out-of-Control Federal SpendingMike Lawler has fought to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse and ensure that government lives within its means just like Hudson Valley families do. Voted to save taxpayers $2.1 trillion over ten years, cap government spending at 1% annual growth, strengthen work requirements for able-bodied adults, and protect veterans’ services, Social Security, and MedicareEnsured the SALT cap increase delivers relief to the 90%+ of Hudson Valley taxpayers, not Wall Street or the ultra-wealthyIntroduced the “Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act” to help victims of EBT card skimming recover stolen benefitsSupported investigations into alleged financial wrongdoing, including the use of shell companies to hide payments, and supported whistleblower investigationsHonor and Support Veterans and Their FamiliesMike Lawler has been at the forefront of honoring and supporting our brave veterans and their families throughout his time in Congress and, prior to that, in the State Legislature.Introduced the HEAL Act (H.R. 5277) to expand access to VA care by increasing travel reimbursement rates, eliminating out-of-pocket deductibles, and funding transportation services for veterans who live far from VA facilitiesAdvanced bipartisan legislation to address toxic exposure, including introducing the VET PFAS Act, which targets health risks for veterans and military families exposed to harmful chemicalsConsistently voted in support of additional funding for veterans and their families, encompassing both healthcare and other servicesAssisted countless veterans facing difficulties with VA claims, Social Security, and Medicare issues – and will continue to fight every case until it is resolvedIntroduced and cosponsored multiple bipartisan pieces of legislation to improve and expand access to benefits for veterans and their families. This includes bills to support families of veterans who commit suicide, improve veterans’ healthcare transportation benefits, provide more affordable housing options for veterans, and moreSecure Our Border and Support Immigration ReformMike Lawler has been a commonsense voice in support of secure borders and opposing “Sanctuary” policies for criminal migrants, while calling for bipartisan immigration reform.Visited the southern border and spoke directly with Customs and Border Protection agents dealing with a record number of illegal crossingsCosponsored the Dignity Act – the first serious, bipartisan immigration reform effort in decades – because the current system is broken for everyoneIntroduced the Fentanyl Kills Act to charge fentanyl traffickers with attempted murder, because open borders have helped fuel the deadliest drug crisis in American historyLed the fight against Governor Hochul and far-left politicians in the Hudson Valley who pushed Sanctuary State, County, and City policies that helped exacerbate the illegal immigration and crime problems in New YorkLed efforts to enhance legal immigration options tied to U.S. workforce needs. This includes expanding the CONRAD 30 program that allows foreign graduates of U.S. medical schools to stay and work in the U.S. He also introduced legislation to provide a healthcare workforce exemption to any new H-1B feesImprove Housing Affordability and Home OwnershipMike Lawler has championed tax relief for homeowners and introduced and advanced multiple bills aimed at increasing housing supply and lowering costs.Introduced the Revitalizing America’s Housing Act, a broad package designed to incentivize construction, reduce regulatory barriers, and expand homeownership opportunitiesHelped pass the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, which incorporated several of his bills focused on boosting supply, streamlining development, and reducing costs for familiesIntroduced targeted measures like the Choice in Affordable Housing Act to expand access to rental vouchers and attract more landlords, and transparency legislation to identify and remove federal barriers to affordable housingMaintain a Commonsense, Mainstream Position on AbortionMike Lawler’s clear, commonsense position on abortion and reproductive rights reflects the mainstream of public opinion on abortion and not the extremes of either party.Opposes a federal ban on abortionWill never restrict the right of women to seek a legal abortion in cases involving a serious health issue, rape, or incestSupports expectant mothers through increased funding for adoption programs and by making birth control more accessible and affordableStood up to his own party to protect access to IVF treatments and other reproductive healthcare treatmentsSponsored legislation to create a federal tax credit for women and their partners relying on costly fertility treatments to start or grow their familyOpposes late-term abortions, sex-selection abortions, and non-doctors performing abortionsSupports parental notification for instances when a minor is pregnant and seeking an abortionMike's Mainstream Position on AbortionImprove Education and Support Parental RightsMike Lawler believes every child deserves a world-class education and that a child’s zip code should never determine the quality of their schooling.Led the charge against Governor Hochul’s proposal to spend $2.4 billion on services for undocumented migrants while cutting foundation aid to nearly half the schools in NY-17Cosponsored legislation that would give parents access to the best educational options for their child – public, private, charter, homeschooling, or religiousSupported the rights of parents to advocate for age-appropriate school curriculum while ensuring we teach children tolerance and compassion for allBelieves American history should be taught honestly – acknowledging our imperfections while affirming that America remains the greatest force for good, freedom, and democracy the world has ever knownIntroduced legislation to create a 2% cap on federal student loan interest rates, providing borrowers with the flexibility to seek quality education while providing them with the real ability to pay back their debtIntroduced legislation to raise the cap on graduate student loans for a number of professional degrees that the Department of Education is currently not designating as “professional.” This includes students seeking critical degrees, such as nursing, physical therapy, social work, teaching, and morePromote a Balanced, Sensible Approach on GunsMike Lawler supports the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms, while being a leader promoting gun safety and cracking down on illegal weapons.Successfully led the fight to extend the bipartisan Undetectable Firearms Act – originally signed by President Reagan – making it harder to sneak firearms past metal detectors in stadiums, arenas, and public buildingsSupports red flag laws – so long as they mandate full due process – to keep guns out of the hands of those likely to harm themselves or othersSupports prohibiting gun purchases by anyone with an outstanding warrant, and increasing penalties for threats of mass harmSupports the installation of panic alarms in all school safety plans and funding of school resource officers for districts that request themIntroduced a common-sense safe storage bill, the Prevent Family Fire ActEnsure a Strong National Defense and Military PreparednessMike Lawler believes in a foreign policy marked by peace through strength that protects Americans at home and abroad and stands with our democratic allies around the world.Introduced legislation to study the creation of a NATO-like alliance with our Indo-Pacific allies to deter aggression by communist China and North KoreaStood up to members of his own party to strongly support Ukraine’s defense against Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion Introduced and passed into law legislation to improve counterintelligence training for diplomats in high-risk postsIntroduced multiple pieces of legislation to expand counterterrorism strategy and effectiveness overseasHas always voted for the National Defense Authorization Act to ensure our troops have the tools they need to keep America safeDefend and Support Our Great Ally – The State of IsraelMike Lawler stands firm in his support of our democratic ally in the Middle East. He has visited Israel multiple times as part of bipartisan delegations and has never wavered.Serves as the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa Chairman to ensure support for Israel is front and center during Committee operations and holding the State Department accountable to this advocacy as wellPassed the Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act in the NDAA, establishing a special envoy to advance normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations on the path to lasting peace in the Middle EastIntroduced and passed into law multiple pieces of legislation to combat the illicit Iranian oil trade. This includes the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act (SHIP Act) and Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act. Also passed the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act through the House to enhance these effortsIntroduced the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act, requiring the Department of Education to more rigorously investigate and prosecute antisemitic discrimination on college campusesWorked with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D) to introduce the IGO Anti-Boycott Act to combat antisemitism within international organizations like the UN and UNRWAPreserve the Environment and Protect Our Natural ResourcesMike Lawler believes we have a responsibility to protect our air, water, and natural environment, and that real progress is built on smart policy and realistic solutions, not costly mandates that hurt working families.Co-led the NJ-NY Watershed Protection Act, establishing an annual $20 million fund to keep the Hudson River clean for generations to come.Supporting legislation to improve air quality, reduce emissions, expand recycling and composting, and extend healthcare benefits to veterans and first responders exposed to PFAS contamination.Supported New York’s Environmental Bond Act — a $4 billion investment in climate resiliency, clean air, clean water, and New York’s energy future.Serves as Republican Chairman of the Extreme Heat Caucus, raising awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and advancing bipartisan solutions to protect vulnerable communities.Introduced legislation to incentivize farmers to voluntarily reduce emissions and improve environmental stewardship, supporting cleaner air and water across the Hudson Valley.— Michael Lawler's campaign website (July 27, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Campaign ads

"Protecting Healthcare" – Lawler campaign ad, released February 24, 2026

"The Cold Reality of Collectivism" – Lawler campaign ad, released January 7, 2026

View more ads here:

YouTube

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased August 14. 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Congressman Mike Lawler proudly represents New York’s 17th Congressional District which includes Rockland County, Putnam County and portions of Westchester and Dutchess Counties. He is on the House Committee on Financial Services and House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Prior to winning his seat in Congress, Mike represented New York’s 97th District in the State Assembly where he served on the Committees on Aging, Banks, Education, Housing, and as the Ranking Member on Governmental Operations.

The fact that Congressman Lawler, as a Republican, was able to win a district that President Biden won by 10 points in 2020 and is home to 70,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans, is a testament to his bipartisan, pragmatic approach to governing. In the Assembly, that meant additional funding for law enforcement and first responders, tax relief for middle class families, and historic funding increases for our schools in the Hudson Valley.

Mike has a long history of public service. Prior to being elected to the State Assembly and Congress, he served as the Deputy Town Supervisor in Orangetown and was a Senior Advisor to the Westchester County Executive.

He graduated from Manhattan College with degrees in Accounting and Finance and was Valedictorian of his graduating class.

Mike is a lifelong Hudson Valley resident. He grew up in Rockland County and graduated from Suffern High School. Mike lives in Pearl River with his wife, Doina, and their daughter Julianna.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The first and most pressing issue facing our country is the affordability crisis that has impacted so many families. I’ve worked to responsibly lower federal spending, while protecting Social Security, Medicare, and veterans benefits from any cuts, and fought to lift or eliminate the cap on SALT.Second, public safety. This includes supporting our police and cracking down on antisemitism on our college campuses and in our own backyard. I’ve brought back tens of millions for law enforcement and passed the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act through the House.Third, securing the border. We must find a bipartisan solution, like the DIGNITY Act, that secures our border and finds a dignified solution to undocumented immigrants living here.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Foreign Policy, Immigration, Financial Markets, Energy, Housing, Our Economy, and Veterans Issues.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

John McCain and Peter King, as mentioned before. They were both fierce advocates for what they believed in, but found common cause with those on the other side of the aisle to get things done for their constituents.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

When Character Was King by Peggy Noonan

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Being able to find common ground with those you don’t agree with, regardless of party and conducting oneself with integrity.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Finding common ground and compromise with folks on both sides of the aisle in order to get things done for constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

To be remembered as a tireless champion for the Hudson Valley who constantly sought to make life easier for families and constituents.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11 - I was a freshman in high school. I’ll never forget how that day changed our country, but I will always remember the heroes who rushed into the burning buildings to save innocent folks, and the sense of unity our country felt in the weeks, months, and years after. We need to try and get back to that sense of unity in times like these.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

A Yankee Stadium vendor to help pay for college. It was an incredible experience over the course of a couple years and brings back fond memories of my dad, who was a huge Yankees fan.

What is your favorite book? Why?

To Kill a Mockingbird — it speaks to where our country has been and how far we have come, to ensure liberty and justice for all.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Batman.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Holding out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Losing my Dad when I was 26 years old.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It’s ability to set a legislative agenda for the country - no small feat - and the power of the purse.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, I do, but it’s not necessary. My time in the New York State Assembly helped me better understand the legislative process, but it was my time as a small businessman that helped me understand budgets and finances - part of why I landed on the Financial Services Committee.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

We have to lower costs for families, secure our Southern Border, maintain a strong military and diplomatic presence around the globe, and work to build an economy that can stand the tests of the future beyond just the 21st Century.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe in term limits and support a constitutional amendment to that effect.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Senator John McCain and Representative Peter King. They were both fierce advocates for what they believed in, but found common cause with those on the other side of the aisle to get things done for their constituents.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Nothing I can put in writing.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. I’m proud to be the 4th-most bipartisan member of Congress, and firmly believe in working together with Democrats and Republicans to tackle the pressing issues of the day.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The House should, and will continue to, use its power in a responsible way to enact change through the budgetary process. As we saw with the landmark Fiscal Responsibility Act last year, when we work to find common ground between parties, we can get big things done.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Carefully and not in a way that is overtly political by either party. Getting to the bottom of the Afghanistan withdrawal is a good example of a case where the House has wielded this power effectively.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Boilermakers Local 5

Building & Construction Trades Council of Westchester & Putnam Counties

IBEW Local 363

IUOE Local 137

IUOE Local 825

Laborers Local 754

Lake Mohegan Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 2956

LiUNA-NY

North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters

Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 373

Rockland County Building & Construction Trades

Sheetmetal Workers Local 38

Teamsters Local 456

Transport Workers Union of America

UFA Local 94

UFOA

APA of Westchester

Lieutenants Benevolent Association of NYPD

MTA PBA

New York 10-13 Association

NYC PBA

NYC SBA

PCNY

Port Authority PBA

Rockland County PBA

Putnam County Sheriff’s Office PBA

SOAR NYPD

Westchester County COBA

What committees interest you?

Foreign Affairs and Financial Services, the two that I serve on currently.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I think all campaign donations should have to be reported within 48 hours of receipt - folks need to show who’s funding their campaigns directly.

U.S. House New York District 17

Michael Lawler did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Lawler's campaign website stated the following:

AFFORDABILITY AND OPPORTUNITY

Joe Biden and Sean Patrick Maloney’s reckless inflationary agenda is crushing senior citizens on fixed incomes, small businesses, working families, and young people just starting their careers. Biden’s and Maloney’s hidden tax has led to penny-pinching and long nights at kitchen tables across the Hudson Valley and elsewhere. As Congressman, Mike will make getting inflation under control a number one priority.

In the State Assembly, Mike supported a gas tax holiday to reduce pain at the pump for millions of New York families, pushed legislation that would establish a tax credit to offset utility bill increases, created the Blown Tire Tax Credit to give drivers a $1,000 personal tax credit for damage sustained on state and local roads, supported eliminating state sales tax on everyday necessities such as housekeeping supplies, personal care products and prepared food, and introduced legislation to double the STAR Property Tax Relief benefit for seniors.

Mike also delivered on his promise to create a true 10% property tax exemption for our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, helping pass a statewide bill to provide real relief for those who serve our communities and keep us safe.

He also led the charge on historic middle-class income tax cuts which will put billions of dollars back in the pockets of taxpayers across the Hudson Valley.

PRIORITIZING PUBLIC SAFETY

In the New