History of Mike Lawler in Timeline

Mike Lawler is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 17th congressional district, a position he has held since 2023. Prior to his congressional service, Lawler was a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 97th district in Rockland County from 2021 to 2022. He is a Republican.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 9, 1986: Birth of Michael Lawler

On September 9, 1986, Michael Vincent Lawler was born. He is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative for New York's 17th congressional district since 2023.

2005: Removal from Michael Jackson Trial Courtroom

In 2005, Michael Lawler, then a high school senior, was removed from the courtroom during Michael Jackson's trial after muttering derogatory remarks against testimony. J. Randy Taraborrelli, a Michael Jackson biographer, recalled that Lawler was disgusted by the testimony.

2006: Michael Jackson Costume Incident

In 2006, Michael Lawler wore a Michael Jackson costume that included blackface at a Manhattan College Halloween party. Photos of the event resurfaced on October 3, 2024, sparking controversy.

2009: Graduation from Manhattan College

In 2009, Michael Lawler earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and finance from Manhattan College and was named valedictorian of his graduating class.

2016: Republican Convention Delegate for Donald Trump

In 2016, Michael Lawler served as a Republican convention delegate for Donald Trump.

2018: Co-founding of Checkmate Strategies

In 2018, Michael Lawler co-founded the political communications firm Checkmate Strategies.

2020: Election to New York State Assembly

In 2020, Michael Lawler was elected to the New York State Assembly for a two-year term, defeating Democratic incumbent Ellen Jaffee.

August 2022: Winning the Republican Primary

In August 2022, Michael Lawler won the Republican primary in New York's 17th congressional district.

December 2022: Support for Respect for Marriage Act

In December 2022, Michael Lawler stated on Twitter that he would have voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act if he were in office at the time.

January 4, 2023: Criticism of George Santos

On January 4, 2023, Michael Lawler criticized Representative George Santos's conduct as "embarrassing and unbecoming" and a distraction.

March 2023: Vote Against Parents' Bill of Rights

In March 2023, Michael Lawler was one of five Republicans to vote against the Parents' Bill of Rights. Despite being a co-sponsor, he opposed the bill due to an amendment he found excessive.

July 6, 2023: Introduction of H.R.4493

On July 6, 2023, Michael Lawler introduced H.R.4493, the District of Columbia One Vote One Choice Act, aimed at prohibiting Washington, D.C., from adopting ranked-choice voting.

2023: Ban on Television News Cameras

For much of 2023, Michael Lawler had a policy of banning television news cameras from his town hall meetings.

2023: Opposition to Congestion Pricing Plan

In 2023, Michael Lawler opposed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's plan to enact congestion pricing in Manhattan, New York City, arguing that it was an "outrageous cash grab" rather than a genuine effort to reduce congestion.

2023: Vote for Kevin McCarthy

In 2023, Michael Lawler voted for Kevin McCarthy in the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives election, stating the need for unity and moving forward.

October 3, 2024: Blackface Costume Controversy

On October 3, 2024, The New York Times reported about resurfaced photos of Michael Lawler wearing a Michael Jackson costume that included blackface at a Manhattan College Halloween party in 2006, leading to controversy. Lawler stated that the costume was intended as flattery, not as an endorsement of blackface.

November 5, 2024: Re-election to the House of Representatives

On November 5, 2024, Michael Lawler was re-elected to the United States House of Representatives in the 17th Congressional district of New York, defeating Mondaire Jones.

2024: Request to Donald Trump to Kill Congestion Pricing Plan

In 2024, Michael Lawler asked president-elect Donald Trump to kill the congestion pricing plan for Manhattan once he gets into office.

2024: Honorary Doctorate from Touro University

In 2024, Michael Lawler received an honorary doctorate from Touro University.

2024: Vote for Trump in Republican Primary

In 2024, Michael Lawler voted for Donald Trump in the Republican primary in New York.

2024: Pledge to Respect 2024 Election Results

In 2024, Michael Lawler was one of six Republicans to sign a bipartisan letter in which they pledged to respect the results of the 2024 presidential election.

2024: Bipartisan Index Ranking

In 2024, Michael Lawler was rated as the fourth most bipartisan member of the U.S. House during the 118th United States Congress in the Bipartisan Index created by The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy.

2024: Rescinding Ban on Television News Cameras

In early 2024, Michael Lawler rescinded his policy of banning television news cameras from his town hall meetings, which had been in place for much of 2023.