Michael Lawler — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in New York, 2026

Michael Lawler advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, stating that mass deportation is not realistic and urging a bipartisan approach. He voted yes on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America Act), which requires stricter voter identification including proof of citizenship and sharing voter rolls with the Department of Homeland Security. Lawler believes a new national immigration policy should address economic needs and offer dignity while upholding the rule of law.

“"We have over 25 million people in this country who are undocumented," Lawler said during an appearance on ABC News' This Week. "You're not rounding them all up and kicking them out. It’s not realistic."”

Michael Lawler voted in January 2026 to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, emphasizing a commitment to bipartisan solutions for healthcare affordability. He criticized his party's inaction on expiring ACA subsidies, calling it "unacceptable" to allow premiums to skyrocket without a plan for reforms. Lawler advocates for strengthening rural healthcare, lowering prescription drug prices, and expanding health savings accounts to ensure access to care at a lower rate.

““Healthcare affordability is not a political issue, it is a governing responsibility. My signature on the discharge for this bill, and my affirmative vote today, is not an endorsement of a clean 3-year extension, rather a commitment to a bipartisan solution. My focus is always ensuring Hudson Valley families aren’t caught in the gridlock, and that doesn’t change today,” said Congressman Lawler, January 8, 2026.”

Michael Lawler supported legislation in the State Assembly to improve water quality, crack down on pollutants, and protect open spaces. In Congress, he advocates for an "all-of-the-above" energy policy, including clean natural gas, aiming to balance environmental protection with affordable energy costs. He introduced the Cool Corridors Act of 2025 to promote investments in tree canopies and shade infrastructure, emphasizing public-private partnerships and wise infrastructure investment to address weather and climate issues.

“Yeah. Well, I think with any major issue that you’re trying to combat, it requires public-private partnership. The government obviously can bring to bear a lot of resources, financially and in terms of agencies and departments and the work that gets done by our federal, state, and local workforce within our municipal, and state, and federal governments. But you need that partnership with our research institutions. - Representative Mike Lawler, CSIS Analysis”

Michael Lawler opposes national abortion bans and supports maintaining access to mifepristone and contraception, including IVF. He has stated he believes in exceptions for rape, incest, and to protect the life and health of the mother. However, he personally opposes abortion and believes a 13-week limit is reasonable, also voting for measures that restrict abortion access for servicemembers and weaken Title IX protections. He has an "B" rating from SBA Pro-Life America.

“I will NOT support a national abortion ban. As I have consistently said, I have always believed in exceptions for rape, incest, and the life and health of the mother. And I have been a strong advocate for access to IVF and contraception. These are difficult, personal issues, and I respect that. My stance has always been clear and (Michael Lawler, lawler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3297, October 2, 2024)”

Michael Lawler voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to strengthen national defense, provide a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, and invest in military families. He supported an appropriations package to strengthen national security and fulfill commitments to allies. He also introduced the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act and voted to exclude China from international financial organizations due to its threat to Taiwan.

““The House’s annual defense bill delivers for our servicemembers and their families. It gives them a well-earned 3.8 percent pay raise, invests in housing and childcare, improves healthcare and education benefits, and makes life safer on bases across the country. For Hudson Valley service members, veterans, and military families, these investments matter. [...] Peace through strength is only possible with a strong national defense that ensures America is ready to meet any challenge.” - Congressman Mike Lawler, September 12, 2025”

Michael Lawler supports increasing funding and improving standards for education, viewing it as a fundamental right for every child. He voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which improved education benefits for servicemembers. He also supported the Consolidated Appropriations Act, allocating funds to federal departments including education, and voted for the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act. Lawler advocates for school choice and parent empowerment in curriculum decisions.

““The House’s annual defense bill delivers for our servicemembers and their families. It gives them a well-earned 3.8 percent pay raise, invests in housing and childcare, improves healthcare and education benefits, and makes life safer on bases across the country. For Hudson Valley service members, veterans, and military families, these investments matter." - Congressman Mike Lawler, lawler.house.gov, September 12, 2025”

Congressman Michael Lawler supports the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms for defense, recreation, and sport. He led the fight to extend the Undetectable Firearms Act to prevent firearms in public venues. Lawler advocates for red flag laws that include due process, and supports prohibiting gun purchases by those with outstanding warrants, while increasing penalties for threats of mass harm.