Republican · New York's 17th District · 2026
Mike Lawler
Lawler grew up in Suffern and now lives in Pearl River with his wife, Doina, who was born in Moldova, and their daughters, Julianna and Elizabeth.
Biography
Mike Lawler has shared advice his father gave him shortly before his father's death: use his talents well and keep his “moral compass.”1 Lawler now lives in Pearl River with his wife, Doina, and their two daughters.1
He was born in Suffern and graduated from Manhattan College in 2009.2 He studied accounting and finance and was his class's valedictorian.1 His earlier work included serving as New York Republican Party executive director, working for the Westchester County executive, and being Orangetown's deputy supervisor.2 He also founded a government affairs and public relations firm.1
Lawler served in the State Assembly before entering Congress in January 2023.2 He chairs the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa and serves on Financial Services.1 He also helps lead the Moldova Caucus and Anti-Congestion Tax Caucus.1 He voted for the 2025 tax law's temporary expansion of the deduction for state and local taxes, which includes income limits.34
His current office priorities include expanding tax relief, lowering energy and healthcare costs, improving public safety and expanding housing opportunities.5 He also emphasizes national security and responding to threats abroad.5 He seeks a third term against Democrat Cait Conley in New York's 17th Congressional District.6
Record and controversies
Consulting firm and buyout
The Times Union examined payments to Lawler's former firm, Checkmate Strategies, from his campaign and groups he helped lead.7 Lawler denied benefiting from its current business; his former partner said buyout installments came from personal checks and were unrelated to current campaign payments.7 The article quoted a watchdog who viewed fair market transactions of this kind as permissible but raised conflict concerns.7
Blackface costume and later post
In October 2024, AP documented Lawler's 2006 Michael Jackson costume involving blackface; he apologized for offense and described it as a tribute.8 In September 2026, AP reported renewed criticism after he posted a photograph wearing the jacket; his spokesperson said the joke concerned criticism of his clothing's fit.9