Rep. Mike Lawler Explains Decision to Seek Re-election, Not Run for NY Governor

Decision to Remain in the House

• 🏛️ Rep. Mike Lawler announced he will not run for Governor of New York, opting instead to seek re-election in the House of Representatives.
• 🗣️ The decision was influenced by a personal deliberation process, considering what is best for himself, his family, his district, and New York.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump also expressed a preference for Lawler to remain in the House, though the final decision was Lawler's.

Accomplishments and District Focus

• 💰 Lawler highlighted his work in the House, including successfully fighting to lift the cap on SALT (State and Local Tax deduction), a promise Democrats had not fulfilled.
• 📊 His district is described as one of the most competitive, and he won by six and a half points despite a significant Democratic majority, emphasizing the importance of keeping the House majority.
• 🌍 He also noted his work on the House Financial Services and Foreign Affairs committees, particularly as chair of the Middle East and North Africa subcommittee, dealing with issues concerning Iran, Israel, and Arab partners.

New York Governor's Race and State Issues

• 🏃 Lawler believes Rep. Elise Stefanik should enter the governor's race if she is considering it, urging for a unified candidate to challenge Governor Kathy Hochul.
• 📉 He criticized Hochul's tenure, citing outmigration, high taxes, a poor business climate, declining quality of life, crime, and the migrant crisis.
• 💸 He attributes much of New York's unaffordability to Hochul's administration adding $100 billion in state spending over a decade.

Campaign Strategy and Priorities

• 🤝 Lawler plans to continue appealing directly to voters on issues that matter, focusing on good-paying jobs, quality education, housing, healthcare, and safe neighborhoods.
• 📝 He defended his record, pointing to support for tax deductions for seniors, enhanced child tax credits, making rates permanent, and small business tax credits, contrasting this with Democratic opposition to commonsense reforms.
• 🚫 He criticized the progressive agenda in New York City, mentioning concerns about socialism, banning private property, rent freezes, and government-run stores.

Legislative Priorities

• 🗓️ Lawler stated that the immediate priority for the House is the government funding and appropriations process, with a deadline of September 30th.
• 🤝 He emphasized the need for bipartisan support to avoid a government shutdown and believes this must be addressed before discussing a second reconciliation package.