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Speaking to Republicans, Democrats, and Independents across the country, Lawler recounted the SALT cap fight, his bipartisan work in Congress, and then introduced Jess and Tom Gorman, whose daughter Sheridan was killed in Chicago by an illegal immigrant with an outstanding warrant.

Dallas, TX — September 10, 2026 —  Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) addressed the Republican Convention in Dallas tonight and introduced his constituents Jess and Tom Gorman of Yorktown Heights, whose 18-year-old daughter Sheridan was shot and killed in Chicago in March.

Lawler began by highlighting the historic tax wins he delivered for the American people and his district, as well as his disagreements with President Trump:

“The truth is that the President and I don’t always agree. And that’s ok. After all, we’re New Yorkers. We argue,” Lawler said. “But, in contrast to what the media tells you, what I learned about President Trump behind closed doors is that if you’re willing to make your case and fight for what you believe in, he’s willing to listen.”

Lawler recounted his public fight with Republican leadership and the President over the SALT deduction. “Instead of rolling over, I made my case directly to the President,” Lawler continued. “By working together, we delivered historic tax cuts for working families and retirees. The average American saved over $2,300 last year, and the typical family of four in my district saved over $4,000 this year as a result.”

Lawler also showcased his work to fight against sanctuary policies and introduced the Gormans, whose daughter, Sheridan, lost her life at the hands of an illegal immigrant in Chicago in March of this year:

“There is nothing compassionate about prioritizing illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens. Sanctuary cities and open border policies are not abstract political positions; they are deadly,” Lawler stated. “The Gormans have more courage than any Democrat member of Congress who voted against protecting our citizens from criminal illegals. They are not running for office. But their story, Sheridan’s story, is the direct result of bad policy. Policies that we can’t afford to go back to ever again.”

Jess Gorman described her daughter, a Loyola University Chicago freshman, as the kindergartener who appointed herself “The Guardian of the Buddy Bench,” going to any classmate who looked lonely. Sheridan was killed on March 19, 2026, after going with friends to the Chicago lakefront to see the Northern Lights.

“Illegal Immigration and these Sanctuary policies have stolen so much from us all, but the one thing it can never steal is our hope. This Buddy Bench for Congress is our hope.  It is a bridge. A place to sit down. To listen. To find a way forward together,” Jess Gorman said. “And Congressman Mike Lawler, tonight we want you to be the first member of Congress to sit on Sheridan’s Bench with us. We chose you to represent us – and you chose us back.  You made Sheridan feel seen.  So thank you.”

“We hope Mike is only the first of many to sit on Sheridan’s Bench,” Jess concluded. “We hope Mike is only the first of many to sit on Sheridan’s Bench.”

Lawler represents one of just eight Republican-held districts carried by Kamala Harris in 2024.

 

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