Lawler urges re-election, contrasts with Jones on taxes and security
Lawler highlights tax cuts, border control in re-election bid against Jones
Freshman US Representative Mike Lawler urged lower Hudson Valley voters to re-elect him, citing his positions on taxes, border security, and public safety. On Wednesday, he discussed the stark differences between himself and Democrat Mondaire Jones, his opponent in New York’s 17th congressional district, one of the state’s most competitive contests.
Lawler criticised Jones, a former one-term congressman, for wanting to increase taxes. Lawler pledged to fight for lower taxes and to maintain the tax cuts enacted by former President Donald Trump and the GOP-run Congress in 2017, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. Lawler warned that a Democratic White House under Vice President Kamala Harris could raise corporate taxes back to 28% from the current 21% and increase income taxes on higher earners, calling it “the largest tax increase in American history.”
The 17th District, encompassing Putnam and Rockland counties and parts of Westchester and Dutchess, is pivotal in determining control of the House of Representatives. The tight race has prompted Jones to adopt a more moderate stance after his initially progressive platform in 2021. Lawler accused Jones of previously advocating to “defund police” and now distancing himself from past associations with the hard-left “Squad” and democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Lawler has garnered support from nearly every union representing law enforcement and emergency responders, including the NYC PBA.
We need to get back to sanity. That starts with securing our border, treating the cartels like the terrorist organizations they are, ending catch and release, and reversing New York's disastrous cashless bail law and sanctuary city policies. pic.twitter.com/NBkOIBfsGk
— Congressman Mike Lawler (@RepMikeLawler) October 23, 2024
Lawler highlighted his strong congressional record supporting Israel, mentioning laws he introduced and passed to protect the Jewish state. Conversely, Jones and the Democrats have attempted to link Lawler to Trump, a tactic that has previously worked in suburban areas but, according to Lawler, has lost its effectiveness. Lawler noted that most voters no longer focus on Trump, with some even appreciating a TV ad where Trump praised him as “spectacular.”
Lawler criticised the one-party Democratic rule in Albany, describing it as disastrous for New York. He condemned former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s decision to close the Indian Point nuclear power plant, which he argued cut off a major power supply for New York City and the region. Lawler also predicted that Governor Kathy Hochul would revive the congestion toll plan for Midtown Manhattan after the November 5 election, despite suspending it in June to avoid backlash against House Democrats.
Lawler firmly supported stricter border enforcement, accusing Jones of advocating for open borders, defunding ICE, and labeling ICE agents as terrorists.
What Other Media Are Saying
- City and State NY – Rep. Mike Lawler visits constituents in Putnam County, touting bipartisan wins and addressing border solutions, antisemitism legislation, and energy policy concerns, gearing up for a potential re-election race.(read more)
- News 12 details the heated debate between Rep. Mike Lawler and Mondaire Jones, focusing on public safety, abortion, foreign policy, and housing in the 17th Congressional District election.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What are Mike Lawler’s main campaign positions?
Lawler focuses on lower taxes, border security, and public safety.
What did Mike Lawler say about Mondaire Jones’s tax policy?
Lawler criticized Jones for wanting to increase taxes.
How does Mike Lawler view Trump’s tax cuts?
Lawler pledges to maintain the 2017 tax cuts set to expire in 2025.
What is the significance of New York’s 17th congressional district?
It’s pivotal in determining control of the House of Representatives.
What are Lawler’s views on border enforcement?
Lawler firmly supports stricter border enforcement.
