VIDEO: LAWLER FOR CONGRESS LAUNCHES 2026 CAMPAIGN WITH PACKED KICKOFF, DRAWING BROAD COALITION OF UNION WORKERS, HEALTHCARE LEADERS, AND CROSSOVER DEMOCRATS
April 12, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [email protected]
Pearl River, NY — April 12, 2026… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) officially kicked off his 2026 reelection campaign before a packed crowd at the Pearl River Elks Lodge, drawing an enthusiastic bipartisan coalition. The event featured remarks from a wide array of supporters — organized labor, law enforcement, small business owners, medical professionals, and Democratic officials — underscoring the broad, bipartisan coalition Congressman Lawler has built over three consecutive winning campaigns.
“Our country is at a crossroads, and the people of the Hudson Valley deserve a congressman who delivers, not one who ducks questions and follows the radical playbook,” said Congressman Lawler. “We’ve won three times in a district that was supposed to be unwinnable, and we’re going to win again. This campaign is built on results, not rhetoric, and today showed exactly who we’re fighting for.”
In his remarks, Congressman Lawler drew a sharp contrast with the Democratic primary field, highlighting his record of delivering results for NY-17 — from the historic $40,000 SALT cap to over $1 billion secured for local hospitals and nursing homes, to defeating Beth Davidson’s sanctuary county stunt. The Congressman pledged to keep fighting for the families of the Hudson Valley and challenged his six Democratic opponents to tell voters where they stand on ICE, Zohran Mamdani, and the policies driving New Yorkers out of the state.
Among the event’s highlights: Philip Valenti of TWU Local 106 announced the endorsement of the Transport Workers Union International; Dr. Mark Geller, CEO of Montefiore Nyack Hospital, spoke to what Congressman Lawler’s successful fight to secure over $1 billion in federal funding for local hospitals has meant for patients and caregivers in Rockland County; and Brendel Logan-Charles, Deputy Supervisor of Ramapo and a registered Democrat, took the stage to make the case for Lawler’s reelection — drawing one of the loudest receptions of the afternoon.
The following speakers appeared at today’s event:
• Rob Astorino, Master of Ceremonies
• Roy Tsudy, U.S. Army Veteran — Pledge of Allegiance
• Father Simonz — Benediction
• Rabbi Shmuel Gancz, Chabad Jewish Center of Suffern — Benediction
• Christine Piccone, Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce
• Jorge Folch, Community Leader
• Dr. Mark Geller, CEO, Montefiore Nyack Hospital
• Stephen Reich, Laborers Local 754
• Philip Valenti, TWU Local 106 — Announcing TWU International Endorsement
• Rivkie Feiner, Constituent, Ramapo
• Brendel Logan-Charles, Deputy Supervisor, Ramapo
• Lauren Mare Wohl, Rockland County Republican Party
• Patrick Casey, Rockland County PBA
• Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive
• Congressman Mike Lawler
