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 Republican member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 97th district in Rockland County from 2021 to 2022. His election to Congress marked a significant shift in the district's representation.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 9, 1986: Birth of Michael Vincent Lawler

On September 9, 1986, Michael Vincent Lawler was born. He is currently serving as the U.S. representative for New York's 17th congressional district.

2005: Assistance with Michael Jackson Trial

In 2005, J. Randy Taraborrelli, a Michael Jackson biographer, helped Lawler, then a high school senior, gain access to the courtroom for Michael Jackson's trial.

2006: Michael Jackson Costume Controversy

In 2006, Lawler wore a Michael Jackson costume that included blackface at a Manhattan College Halloween party, which resurfaced in October 2024. Lawler stated that the costume was intended as a sincere homage to Michael Jackson.

2009: Graduation from Manhattan College

In 2009, 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

In 2016, Lawler served as a Republican convention delegate for Donald Trump, participating in the nomination process.

2018: Co-founding Checkmate Strategies

In 2018, Lawler co-founded the political communications firm Checkmate Strategies, marking a foray into the field of political consulting and communications.

2020: Election to New York State Assembly

In 2020, Lawler was elected to the New York State Assembly for a two-year term, defeating Democratic incumbent Ellen Jaffee, marking an early success in his political career.

August 2022: Winning the Republican Primary

In August 2022, Lawler won the Republican primary in New York's 17th congressional district, securing his position as the party's nominee for the general election.

January 4, 2023: Criticism of George Santos's Conduct

On January 4, 2023, Lawler called then-newly sworn Representative George Santos's conduct "embarrassing and unbecoming" and "certainly a distraction".

March 2023: Vote Against Parents' Bill of Rights

In March 2023, Lawler was one of five Republicans to vote against the Parents' Bill of Rights, despite co-sponsoring the bill. He cited an unspecified amendment as the reason for his opposition.

May 2023: Introduction of Anti-Boycott Legislation

In May 2023, Lawler, along with Democrat Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), introduced legislation expanding anti-boycott laws to include blocking boycotts organized by international governmental organizations, particularly targeting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. The bill received criticism from House Republicans.

July 6, 2023: Introduction of the District of Columbia One Vote One Choice Act

On July 6, 2023, 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 at Town Halls

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

2023: Opposition to Manhattan Congestion Pricing

In 2023, Lawler opposed a plan by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to enact congestion pricing in Manhattan, New York City, calling it an "outrageous cash grab".

2023: Vote for Kevin McCarthy in Speaker Election

In 2023, Lawler voted for Kevin McCarthy in the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives election. McCarthy was initially unable to win the speakership.

October 2024: Resurfacing of Blackface Costume Photo

In October 2024, The New York Times discovered resurfaced photos of Lawler wearing a Michael Jackson costume that included blackface in 2006 at a Manhattan College Halloween party, leading to controversy and Lawler issuing a statement.

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

On November 5, 2024, Lawler was re-elected to the United States House of Representatives in the 17th congressional district of New York, defeating Democratic nominee Mondaire Jones by 23,946 votes.

2024: Request to Kill Congestion Pricing Plan

In 2024, Lawler asked president-elect Donald Trump to kill the congestion pricing plan in Manhattan once he gets into office, continuing his opposition to the initiative.

2024: Honorary Doctorate from Touro University

In 2024, Lawler received an honorary doctorate from Touro University, recognizing his achievements and contributions.

2024: Vote for Trump in Republican Primary

In 2024, Lawler voted for Trump in the Republican primary in New York, showing his support for the former president.

2024: Pledge to Respect Election Results

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

2024: Bipartisan Index Ranking

In 2024, 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, Lawler rescinded his ban on television news cameras from his town hall meetings, ending a policy that had been in place for much of 2023.

May 2025: Scrapping of Anti-Boycott Bill Vote

In May 2025, House Republican leadership scrapped a vote on the bill that Lawler had introduced with Josh Gottheimer, which aimed to expand anti-boycott laws.

May 2025: Criticism over SALT Deduction Stance

In May 2025, Lawler's support for increasing the state and local tax deduction (SALT) drew criticism from Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). President Trump also addressed Lawler directly about ending his push for a higher SALT deduction during a meeting.