Speaker Mike Lawler is a Republican representing the New York 17th congressional district, who has more recently expressed views within the Republican party and has criticized the Democrats. A “Festivus” clip posted on December 24, 2024, featured some grievances against several political personalities, including Governor Kathy Hochul, whom he described as the nation’s least popular governor. He called her budgetary expansion, spending money on migrants, and the congestion toll in Manhattan the reasons that people do not like her. Lawler also pointed the finger towards fellow Democrats, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Columbia University, and the MTA. That is why some interpret this video as the preparation for the gubernatorial campaign in 2026. Negative talking points are not exclusive to Democrats, according to Lawler. He is worried about internal rifts in the Republican party. After Matt Gaetz pulled out as a nominee for Attorney General, Lawler rejoiced, only for far-right trolls to lately brand him a RINO. This situation shows how hard it may be for Lawler to manage relations with both moderate Republicans and the conservative wing of the GOP now that he has an eye on a higher chair. Lawler is a centrist politician. For the details, he has been assessed by the Bipartisan Index by The Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy as the 4th most bipartisan member of the House of the 118th US Congress. He somewhat opposes a federal ban but is pro-life with exceptions and stands against Manhattan’s congestion pricing plan.
Mike Lawler warned Republican
