NY Rep. Mike Lawler secures critical win for House GOP, beating progressive ex-lawmaker
First-term Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., has successfully secured his first re-election bid in the suburban 17th Congressional District, defeating former Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-N.Y. This victory is crucial for House GOP leaders as they strive to maintain their slim majority in Congress. The Associated Press called the race in Lawler’s favor early Wednesday morning.
Lawler has established himself as a moderate member of the House Republican caucus, known for his willingness to work across party lines. His bipartisan approach has earned him recognition, ranking as the fourth-most bipartisan member in the Lugar Center and Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy’s annual index. Prior to his tenure in Congress, Lawler served as a Republican operative and held a position in the New York State Assembly.
The 17th District, located just north of New York City, is one of several Republican-held areas that President Biden won in the 2020 election. The race in this district was influenced by concerns over rising crime rates, attributed to progressive criminal justice policies in New York City. This suburban backlash played a significant role in helping House Republicans retain control over half of Congress.
Jones, Lawler’s opponent, experienced a notable shift in his political stance during the campaign. Previously known for his progressive views, including support for defunding the police, Jones evolved into a more moderate candidate who criticized fellow Democrats for their positions on Israel. His endorsement of a primary challenger against a member of the “Squad” led to backlash from progressive allies, ultimately impacting his campaign.
Despite previously representing the 17th District from 2021 to 2023, Jones was unable to regain his seat in the New York City suburbs. Redistricting placed him against former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who made a controversial move by switching districts to run against Jones. Maloney, who was serving as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at the time, narrowly lost to Lawler in the election.
Lawler’s re-election victory is a significant win for House Republicans, solidifying their position in Congress. His ability to appeal to a diverse range of constituents and work collaboratively with lawmakers from both parties has been key to his success. As he continues to serve in Congress, Lawler’s moderate approach and bipartisan efforts will likely remain central to his legislative agenda.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, specializing in coverage of the House of Representatives. Her previous work has been featured in publications such as the Daily Mail and CBS News. For updates and tips, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind or contact her at elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
