With war in Iran continuing and prices on the rise, Rep Mike Lawler (NY-17) took to the stage at Mahopac High School to a face a boisterous crowd that appeared to be divided between those opposed to the Republican congressman and those supporting him, and, by extension, the Trump administration.
Lawler's appearance st the school—his second since Trump returned to power in 2025—comes as Democrats target his swing district in the fight to take control of the house on election day. Lawler, who won his second term in 2024 in a district that went to Democrat Kamala Harris, told the crowd his bipartisan voting record puts him in a strong position to benefit the district.
Not everyone agreed.
After opening remarks by Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne—who acted as MC— audience members had a chance to address Lawler on topics ranging from affordability, taxes and energy policy to immigration, foreign conflicts and his vote against a War Powers Resolution related to Iran.
One attendee asked why he opposed limiting presidential authority.
Lawler said “the president is well within his authority to conduct the strikes that have been conducted,” and added that congressional action at this stage would “undermine the United States” as negotiations continue.
Cortlandt Manor resident Marion Walsh, who identified herself as a military mother, said Lawler had “abdicated the responsibility to the majority of the constituents in District 17” and said the Trump administration’s actions “endangered our young people, our service members and our country.”
“Stand up against this machine,” she said.
Lawler later defended his record and approach, saying he engages with a range of viewpoints and works across party lines. “I sit here and listen to your perspective… and I respect that,” he said. “If you want to get things done, you actually have to engage with the White House and the administration.”
And some in the audience came to Lawler's defense.
One attendee told Lawler, “You’re doing a great job,” and cited “huge savings on SALT”—referencing his earlier remarks about raising the cap on state and local tax deductions as part of the tax bill passed last year. Lawler described those changes, along with eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, as “tax cuts for middle class and working class families all across our district.”
Foreign policy remained a focus of several questions. One attendee asked whether Lawler disavowed rhetoric suggesting large-scale destruction in Iran. Lawler said, “I do not support any effort or any military action that would go after a civilian population,” and added, “Iran should never possess a nuclear weapon. Period.”
Interruptions from the audience at times slowed the event, with moderators asking attendees to allow questions and answers to proceed as the town hall continued.
One attendee, Nick Kuvach, was escorted from the auditorium by security after relling of a list of complaints against the Trump administration.
“He defies the Constitution," Kuvach said. "You’re not bringing impeachment proceedings… Don’t be spineless. Impeach him.”
Lawler responded by accusing the speaker of acting in the very way he's ciriticizing.
“For people that are so outraged by the conduct of the president, you sure don't show a different way," Lawler said. "You're actually engaging in the very behavior that you’re complaining about.”
Later, after noting he has been rated as “one of the most bipartisan members of Congress” and defending his approach to working with the administration, Lawler said he is one of the few to hold in-person town halls.
"I am willing to engage with voters who don’t agree with me,” he said. “And that’s not something that many people in this country will actually do.”
Jenna Waldman contributed to this story
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