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REP LAWLER SLAMS BETH DAVIDSON FOR SANCTUARY COUNTY PUSH IN ROCKLAND

January 29, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [email protected]

Pearl River, NY – 1/29/2026…  Today, following a report from the New York Post, the Lawler for Congress campaign slammed Beth Davidson and Democrats in the Rockland County Legislature for planning to advance the “Immigrant Protection Act”, which aims to turn Rockland County into a sanctuary county for illegal immigrants, putting her congressional ambitions and radical ideology ahead of public safety.

“Make no mistake, Beth Davidson’s public push to have Rockland County adopt the same radical ‘Sanctuary’ policies for illegal immigrants as New York City or Minneapolis can be summed up in one sentence: Beth Davidson is willing to sacrifice the safety of Rockland County residents for the support of far-left radical Democrats she believes can help her win her congressional primary,” stated Congressman Lawler.

County records reveal Davidson’s proposed “Immigrant Protection Act” will closely mirror the sanctuary law passed in other deep blue states, counties, and cities, which prohibits communication and cooperation between federal immigration officials and local law enforcement, and prevents local agencies from honoring detainer requests — even for individuals with serious criminal records — unless narrowly defined conditions are met.


If adopted in Rockland, the bill would:

  • Bar county employees and law enforcement from proactively cooperating with ICE, even when dealing with individuals who have prior criminal histories
  • Prohibit honoring immigration detainers or providing release notifications, allowing individuals wanted by federal authorities to be released back into the community
  • Create additional legal and bureaucratic hurdles that discourage coordination between local law enforcement and federal agencies
  • Prioritize immigration status protections over public safety considerations, tying the hands of police officers and corrections officials

“In just the past few years, the Hudson Valley has seen firsthand the consequences of sanctuary city and state policies.  Last year, a 15-year-old from Somers was gunned down by an illegal immigrant. The year before, Clarkstown had uncovered flop houses with 20-30 migrants crammed in with dozens of fire safety violations,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

Earlier this week, Congressman Mike Lawler laid out a clear warning in a New York Times op-ed: America’s immigration system is broken, and sanctuary policies at the state and local level have only made it worse. Lawler argued that restricting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities undermines public safety, is fueling the chaos, and leaves both communities and migrants vulnerable. He renewed his push for a commonsense, bipartisan immigration solution — one that secures the border, restores law enforcement cooperation, and treats people humanely while upholding the rule of law.

“I’ve been working in Congress, since I was first elected, on serious, bipartisan immigration reform that includes securing the border, restoring cooperation between federal and local law enforcement, and fixing a broken system humanely and responsibly,” Lawler continued. “Sanctuary laws do the opposite. They block cooperation, incentivize exploitation, and risk putting millions in federal public safety and law enforcement funding in jeopardy. Rockland families deserve leaders who prioritize public safety, the rule of law, and accountability. I am calling on every Rockland County legislator to immediately state where they stand on this legislation.”
 

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LAWLER CALLS ON DEMOCRATIC OPPONENTS TO DENOUNCE CALLS TO ABOLISH ICE

January 22, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [email protected]

Pearl River, NY – 1/22/2026… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler called on each and every NY-17 Democratic candidate to immediately and unequivocally denounce radical calls from NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, made yesterday on “The View,” to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and block cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. At a Clarkstown Democratic Committee candidate forum, Cait Conley suggested “ICE can’t operate without a budget”, and Mike Sacks called to defund ICE, echoing Mamdani’s statement. As of January 2026, according to the White House, nearly 1.9 million illegal aliens have self-deported, and over 675,000 have been removed, over 70% having a conviction or pending criminal charges.

“Let me be very clear,” said Congressman Lawler. “Sanctuary state and city policies that prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security are wrong, and they are dangerous. Anyone who supports codifying Sanctuary policies and defunding ICE is detached from reality.”

“This is not an abstract policy debate. Ending cooperation with ICE makes our communities more dangerous by allowing repeat offenders, gang members, and violent criminals to slip through the cracks. My Democratic opponents owe voters a clear answer: do they support Mayor Mamdani’s support of abolishing ICE and promoting sanctuary policies that let violent criminals and gang members run freely around New York?” added Lawler. “Yes or no?”

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CONGRESSMAN MIKE LAWLER CONDEMNS ANTISEMITIC ATTACK AD, CALLS FOR NY-17 CANDIDATES TO DENOUNCE

January 20, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [email protected]

Pearl River, NY – 1/20/2026… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler released a statement unapologetically condemning a television ad airing in NY-17 by the Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU) and calls on all candidates in NY-17 to immediately denounce this ad.

“This ad is a disgrace,” Congressman Lawler said. “The IMEU attacks anyone who stands with Israel, opposes terrorism, refuses to bow to their radical agenda, and traffics antisemitic tropes.”

“This kind of politics has no place in the Hudson Valley. I am calling on every candidate running in NY-17 to publicly and unequivocally denounce this ad immediately. Silence is an endorsement,” concluded Lawler.

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LAWLER CAMPAIGN DOMINATES Q4 FUNDRAISING, POSTS HISTORIC $1.25M HAUL AND BUILDS COMMANDING CASH ADVANTAGE

January 14, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [email protected]

Pearl River, NY – January 14, 2026 … The Lawler for Congress campaign today announced a dominant and historic fourth-quarter fundraising performance, cementing Congressman Mike Lawler as the clear frontrunner in New York’s 17th Congressional District and putting Democrats on notice early.

The campaign will file $1.25 million raised in Q4 2025, an extraordinary off-election-year total that more than doubles the fundraising of one of the leading Democratic candidates in the race. At a point in the cycle when most challengers are still introducing themselves, the Lawler campaign has already built a decisive financial edge. Cycle-to-date, the campaign has raised nearly $5.2 million and enters 2026 with a commanding $3.5 million cash on hand, giving Congressman Lawler unmatched resources to communicate his record and define the race on his terms.

The numbers represent not only dominance over the current field but also a historic acceleration compared to the campaign’s prior cycle. At the same point in 2024, the campaign had raised $3.2 million, with $2.5 million in cash on hand—making the current haul a clear signal of growing momentum and expanding support. That strength is powered by a broad, energized, grassroots coalition of 20,311 individual donors this cycle, underscoring deep enthusiasm across the district and strong bipartisan confidence in Congressman Lawler’s leadership.

“These numbers send a blunt message: Congressman Lawler is winning—and building a campaign that Democrats cannot catch,” said Ciro Riccardi, Campaign Manager for Lawler for Congress. “In an off-election year, we are shattering records, expanding our grassroots base, and stockpiling the resources needed to win decisively in 2026. This level of early support is historic for NY-17 and reflects the results-driven, bipartisan coalition Congressman Lawler continues to grow.”
 

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LAWLER POSTS MASSIVE Q2 FUNDRAISING NUMBERS, AGAIN OUTRAISING DEM FIELD COMBINED

July 11, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [email protected]

Pearl River, NY – July 10, 2025… Today, the Lawler for Congress campaign announced that Congressman Mike Lawler posted another outstanding fundraising quarter, bringing in more than $1.3 million in Q2, making him once again a top fundraiser among candidates for competitive districts in the House.

Rep. Lawler raised an impressive $1.325 million this quarter alone, bringing his year-to-date total to nearly $2.8 million. He maintains a robust cash-on-hand balance of $2.2 million, placing him in a commanding position heading into the general election.

“While the Democratic clown car primary continues its race to prove who’s the most radical leftist, Congressman Lawler’s message of common-sense solutions and bipartisan leadership continues to resonate with voters and donors alike,” said Chris Russell, campaign spokesperson. “He’s once again outraised the entire Democratic field combined. Congressman Mike Lawler is in the best position yet to defeat whichever far-left radical emerges from their chaotic primary.”

Russell continued, “New Yorkers in the Hudson Valley are tired of extremism and political stunts. Congressman Lawler is delivering on issues that matter like middle-class tax relief — including his promise to lift the cap on SALT, safer communities, and economic prosperity, and he is in a prime position to win re-election next November.”

Congressman Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which includes all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.

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ICYMI: Capital Confidential: Lawler has the best shot at beating Hochul, polling analysis finds

June 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: [email protected]

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Pearl River, NY… In case you missed it, Dan Clark at Capital Confidential reported on a leaked memo from Deep Root Analytics suggesting Rep. Mike Lawler is in the best position of any Republican in New York State to challenge Kathy Hochul. The memo also notes that New York is an anomaly, as their national modeling shows that New York has continued to shift to the right since October 2024. 

Capital Confidential: Lawler has the best shot at beating Hochul, polling analysis finds

By Dan Clark

A new polling memo that’s making the rounds among Republicans in New York and Washington, D.C., could spell good news for U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler.

Lawler is one of at least two Republicans seriously considering a run for governor in New York next year against whoever wins the Democratic primary. The other is Rep. Elise Stefanik, a top conservative ally of President Donald J. Trump.

But the polling memo found that may not be to Stefanik’s benefit if she decides to run.

“Bearing in mind the volume of moderate voters in the state, it’s clear that a moderate Republican with a track record of delivering bipartisan state and local victories is best positioned to compete with a Democrat in a gubernatorial general election scenario,” said the memo from Deep Root Analytics, a firm often employed by Republicans.

That’s because of the firm’s findings on how voters said they identified politically between five ideological buckets: MAGA, traditional conservative, moderate, traditional liberal and progressive.

A plurality of voters — 26% — identified as moderate, while 17% said they were a traditional conservative and 15% said they fell into the MAGA camp, the memo said.

Stefanik is not viewed among Republicans, or political observers in general, as a moderate. She’s closely aligned with Trump and, consequently, has strong support from conservatives and the MAGA movement.

She received a 48% favorability rating from conservatives in the most recent Siena poll. But self-identified moderates only gave her a 23% favorability rating.

Lawler received a 22% favorability rating from moderates in that poll but had a larger share of voters who had no opinion of him — 52% vs.39% for Stefanik. That gives Lawler more room for his numbers to grow.

Here’s a translation: Lawler and Stefanik can both appeal to conservative voters. But Lawler would appeal more to moderate voters than Stefanik, the polling memo from Deep Root Analytics said.

“Lawler’s track record with this voter type — paired with his consistent focus on winning local bipartisan messages … give credence to a viewpoint that suggests Lawler is better positioned to compete in a statewide gubernatorial general election than any other Republican in New York,” the memo said.

If he wants to prove that point, he’ll have some ground to make up. The Siena poll from last month had Stefanik ahead of Lawler in a primary by 13 points.

“So we are putting the pieces together,” Stefanik said in a radio interview Tuesday. “If we do this, this will be the most well-funded, the most well-organized statewide campaign since when we last won with George Pataki.”

Click HERE to read the article. 

Click HERE to view the Deep Root Analytics memo. 

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LAWLER CRUSHES FUNDRAISING GOALS, OUTPACES ALL DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGERS COMBINED

April 7, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [email protected]

Pearl River, NY – April 7, 2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler achieved a monumental fundraising milestone, raising an impressive $1.46 million in the first quarter of 2025 and reporting over $1.3 million in cash on hand for his reelection campaign. This standout performance marks one of Lawler’s strongest fundraising quarters to date, reflecting his widespread appeal and proven effectiveness as a lawmaker. Recently rated one of the most effective members and the 4th most bipartisan member of the 118th Congress, Lawler’s ability to deliver for his constituents continues to drive his success. 

“Congressman Mike Lawler raised $1.46 million in Q1 and will report over $1.3 million cash on hand for his reelection campaign, one of his strongest quarters ever,” stated Chris Russell, the campaign spokesperson. 

“Despite the lies, scare tactics, and coordinated protests by radical far-left groups, Congressman Lawler raised more money than all of his Democrat opponents combined, showing once again his strong support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents throughout the Hudson Valley,” concluded Russell.

Lawler’s fundraising dominance is a direct reflection of his legislative record, having consistently worked across party lines to address the needs of the Hudson Valley. This commitment to common-sense results has earned him robust support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike. 

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LAWLER CAMPAIGN CALLS ON LT. GOV DELGADO TO CONDEMN INDIVISIBLE ROCKLAND’S ANTISEMITISM AND ELECTION DENIALISM

March 28, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [email protected]

Pearl River, NY – March 27, 2025… Today, Lawler for Congress issued a strong call for Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado and the Democratic candidates running for Congress to clearly and unequivocally condemn Indivisible Rockland and the Clarkstown Democratic Committee for supporting an election denialism lawsuit rooted in debunked antisemitic conspiracy theories with the goal of overturning the 2024 election results in Rockland County.

A lawsuit by a failed US Senate candidate, promoted by Indivisible Rockland and the Clarkstown Democratic Committee, seeks to invalidate Rockland County’s 2024 election results. Yesterday, the judge rescheduled the discovery hearing for a full countywide recount, sparking baseless conspiracies. Indivisible Rockland has also displayed antisemitic and Nazi imagery at protests while refusing to denounce it.

“It’s beyond hypocritical for radical far-left activists to claim they care about defending democracy while simultaneously backing frivolous lawsuits – steeped in antisemitic conspiracy theories – that attempt to overturn our democratic elections,” said Chris Russell, campaign spokesperson. “Indivisible Rockland prominently displayed a call to action encouraging voters to join the lawsuit earlier this week. Lt. Governor Delgado should immediately cancel his plans and unambiguously condemn the antisemitic imagery and rhetoric at Individible Rockland’s recent rally.”

Russell concluded, “It’s past time for Delgado and the Democrats to clearly state where they stand—either with those committed to democracy and tolerance or with extremist groups perpetuating antisemitism and election conspiracies. Their continued silence is unacceptable and dangerous.”

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MIKE LAWLER SLAMS CHUCK SCHUMER’S HYPOCRISY ON ANTISEMITISM: ‘TALK IS CHEAP, ACTION IS NEEDED’

March 19, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
[email protected]

Pearl River, NY – March 19, 2025…  Today, Congressman Mike Lawler condemned Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his blatant hypocrisy on antisemitism. Schumer recently released a book, Antisemitism in America: A Warning, yet failed to act when it mattered most with his refusal to bring the Antisemitism Awareness Act to a vote last year, after it passed the House overwhelmingly.

“Chuck Schumer’s inaction is outrageous,” Lawler said. “As Majority Leader, he had every chance to lead, to pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act, and to protect Jewish communities from rising hatred. But he sat on his hands, too scared to piss off his base and the pro-Hamas wing of the Democrat Party. Now, he’s cashing in with a book while doing nothing. Talk is cheap, and the Jewish community deserves a hell of a lot more than empty words and inaction.”

Lawler pointed out the timing of Schumer’s book release, which coincides with his refusal to advance critical legislation. The Antisemitism Awareness Act, which will codify into a law a modernized definition of antisemitism, passed the House with bipartisan support in 2024. But Schumer let it languish in the Senate, prioritizing far-left allies like Bernie Sanders. “With his new book, Chuck Schumer is using antisemitism as a political tool, profiting off it while ignoring the violence and hatred Jewish New Yorkers face every day,” Lawler added. “While Chuck Schumer likes to call himself shomer — defender of the Jews — the reality is he is a shanda, a disgrace.”

Adding insult to injury, Schumer recently canceled his book tour, citing “security concerns” and fear of protests—proof he’s dodging tough questions from voters. “If Schumer can’t face his constituents, how can he claim to lead on antisemitism? He’s more worried about his public image than answering for his failures,” Lawler said.

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Forget ‘baloney’ budget claims — I’m voting to break feds’ debt addiction

March 4, 2025

New York Post
By Mike Lawler

Why can’t the federal government live within its means, like New York’s families, seniors and small businesses must do?

It’s a question I ask myself every time a handful of special-interest groups blow a gasket over the mere discussion of reducing federal spending or reining in our debt. 

The “sky is falling” scare campaign that alleges any responsible reduction to federal spending will somehow have catastrophic consequences is baloney. 

Make no mistake: The defenders of the status quo want the gravy train to continue for their benefit.

I want it to come to an end — for your benefit. 

Here are the facts: Our nation faces a daunting fiscal crisis; the national debt exceeds $36 trillion and is projected to reach $59 trillion by 2035.

The reckless addiction to overspending and decades-old reliance on debt in Washington has real-life consequences for local families — in the form of ever-increasing taxes, record inflation and a constantly rising cost of living.

Failure to act now will result in long-term economic consequences that threaten the prosperity of future generations. 

At the same time, we must ensure that the most vulnerable in our society can rely on a social safety net that allows them to live with dignity.

Preserving and strengthening essential programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and veterans’ benefits is both a matter of sound policy and a fundamental moral responsibility.

The budget resolution I helped pass in the House last week has sparked considerable debate — but some critics’ claims are pure misinformation.

For example, it’s categorically false that the budget resolution we voted on includes callous cuts to Social Security, Medicaid or Medicare.

But that hasn’t stopped House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from spouting misinformation, or prevented Gov. Kathy Hochul from using sick children as props to score political points.

That’s wrong.

And it’s exactly the kind of political fear-mongering that distracts from the real challenge: Restoring fiscal discipline while maintaining the integrity of programs that tens of millions of Americans rely on.

But at the same time we have to stop those who scam the system at taxpayer expense. 

Does anyone really think Medicaid should pay for a 27-year-old, able-bodied single man to stay home and play video games all day?

Or that we should provide free food, housing, health care and more to those who entered our country illegally?

Of course not — yet abuses like these are adding untold billions to our bloated federal budget.

That’s the kind of improper spending we rightfully should be cutting.

As far back as 2005, The New York Times reported that New York’s Medicaid fraud may reach into the billions — yet nothing has been done to put a stop to it. We have to take that seriously and clean it up.

Equally pressing is the impending expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which provided critical relief to American families and small businesses.

If allowed to lapse, the child tax credit that law established will be slashed for 40 million families.

The standard deduction will take a significant hit — affecting 91% of taxpayers — and the Alternative Minimum Tax will return, increasing the tax burden on many folks in the Hudson Valley and throughout the state.

Preserving these tax cuts for every American and lifting the cap on SALT (the state and local tax deduction) is essential to growing financial stability for families nationwide.

As I said when I first ran for Congress, lifting the cap on SALT is my top priority in Washington.

Advancing this budget resolution was a critical step toward that goal: Now we can begin the process of negotiating a reconciliation bill.

That bill will secure our border, strengthen our military, increase domestic production of energy, reduce the size and scope of the federal government, and provide real tax relief for hard-working middle-class families.

As we negotiate the final bill, I believe we can achieve fiscal responsibility and economic prosperity — and still take care of Americans who are down on their luck and need a hand. 

I’ll be working with common-sense lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to do what’s right.