Republican Congressman Mike Lawler is seeking re-election for a third term in New York’s 17th Congressional District in the 2026 midterm elections. Nominated by both the Republican Party and New York’s Conservative Party, Lawler is set to face Democratic nominee Cait Conley.
Describing himself as “a bipartisan leader who brings people together,” Lawler has made border security, tax cuts, and public safety central to his campaign.
He introduced the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, which targets Iran’s illicit oil trade and efforts to sell petroleum through foreign intermediaries. Lawler continues to support the expansion of natural gas infrastructure. He backed the construction of the Constitution Pipeline, which was intended to transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York. Lawler argues that the project aims to lower electricity and home heating costs across the Northeast. Lawler supports imposing strict sanctions on Iran to restrict its oil trade and limit the revenue it generates from energy exports. These measures seek to increase pressure on Iran by targeting its oil exports and the companies involved in facilitating them. Lawler has argued that restricting these revenue sources is important to limit Iran’s ability to fund its nuclear programme and support regional allies. He has also expressed support for Iranians fighting against their country’s regime for freedom. Lawler also made headlines following a confrontation with William Paul, the son of Republican Senator Rand Paul. William Paul confronted Lawler at a bar in Washington, DC, and made antisemitic remarks after mistaking him for being Jewish. William Paul later apologised, saying he had consumed too much alcohol and that his remarks did not reflect who he was. He admitted that he had made the mistake of driving home and later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
On October 19, 2026, the US Department of Energy announced an investment of $42 million in the project, emphasising the need to strengthen energy infrastructure and reduce costs for New Yorkers. Moreover, in July 2026, Lawler revealed that he had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in 2012.
Lawler said Paul made hurtful and derogatory comments about Jewish and gay people. Lawler said he regretted his decision and had spoken to students about the dangers of drunk driving.
He also worked in Republican Party politics in New York. In Congress, Lawler serves on the House Financial Services and Foreign Affairs committees, working on issues involving the economy, financial regulation, and international relations. He was the valedictorian of his graduating class. Before entering politics, he also founded a government affairs and communications firm. He also supports access to contraception and in vitro fertilization (IVF), along with the introduction of the IVF Access and Affordability Act, which proposes federal tax credits to help families cover fertility treatment costs. Moreover, he believes parental notification is necessary when a minor seeks an abortion. Lawler supports stricter border enforcement, along with changes to the legal immigration system. He co-sponsored the bipartisan Dignity Act, which aims to increase border security, strengthen physical barriers, and create a seven-year programme offering eligible immigrants temporary legal status. Lawler has opposed policies that restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. He also voted for the Laken Riley Act , which requires federal immigration authorities to detain immigrants charged with certain crimes.
Lawler entered Congress in January 2023 after defeating Democratic incumbent Sean Patrick Maloney in 2022. Before his election to the House, he represented New York’s 97th Assembly District from 2021 to 2022 and served as a deputy town supervisor of Orangetown. Born on September 9, 1986, in Suffern, New York, Michael Vincent Lawler grew up in Rockland County, in the Hudson Valley. He attended Suffern High School and later graduated from Manhattan College in 2009 with a degree in business administration and double majors in accounting and finance.
Lawler opposes a federal ban on abortion, stating that he would “never force a rape victim or woman facing a serious health issue to continue a pregnancy against their will”, according to his campaign website.
