Congressman Mike Lawler used Friday’s massive rally at Rockland Community College in Suffern to make a direct case to voters in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts.
He said his willingness to work closely with President Donald Trump does not contradict his bipartisan image, but instead strengthens his ability to deliver for the Hudson Valley.
The event, which was billed as both an economic policy speech by Trump and a rally supporting Lawler’s re-election campaign in New York’s 17th Congressional District, drew a packed Eugene Levy Fieldhouse at Rockland Community College and featured speeches from several Republican leaders, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is running for governor, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Mahopac resident Alana Sweeny, widow of the late Judge John Sweeny, also addressed the crowd, speaking about how the administration’s economic policies have helped retirees.
Lawler, who represents one of the most politically divided House districts in America, spent much of his speech addressing a question he said he has repeatedly received from critics, reporters and political observers alike:
“Why did you bring Donald Trump to your swing district?”
Lawler’s answer was straightforward.
“He’s the President of the United States,” Lawler said. “And when the President comes, you show up! You engage, you fight for, and deliver for your community.”
In one notable moment, Lawler referenced attending an appearance by then-President Joe Biden in Westchester County a few years earlier — a line that drew boos from portions of the crowd.
“And just as I did three years ago when Joe Biden came to Westchester, I am proud to be here,” Lawler said. “I am proud to be here today for President Donald Trump.”
The moment underscored the balancing act Lawler has attempted to maintain since winning election in a district that includes all of Rockland and Putnam counties, along with parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties — a district where independent and crossover voters often determine elections.
“What so many fail to recognize, if you want to get anything done, you actually have to be in the arena,” Lawler told the crowd. “You have to have a seat at the table. You have to engage in good faith.
“Standing outside, holding a sign in protest, and screaming at the top of your lungs gets you exactly there,” he continued. “Outside!”
Lawler repeatedly portrayed himself as both a fighter and a pragmatist — someone willing to work with Trump when it benefits the district while also standing up to leadership in both parties.
The congressman joked about the many labels he has received from critics across the political spectrum.
“With my opponents, it usually starts with 'F' and ends with Lawler,” he joked.
“In the last election, they spent tens of millions of dollars calling me MAGA Mike. That didn’t work out too well for them,” he added.
At the same time, Lawler acknowledged criticism from some conservatives.
“Some folks didn’t agree with some of my votes,” he said. “I was called a traitorous RINO.”
“But that’s OK. It comes with the job.”
Throughout the speech, Lawler repeatedly emphasized his battle to expand the state and local tax deduction — known as SALT — an issue of enormous importance in suburban New York communities with high property taxes.
Trump himself later praised Lawler’s persistence on the issue, jokingly calling the congressman “Mr. SALT” during his remarks..
“But he didn’t stop,” Trump said. “This guy was a pain in the ass.” Trump then added: “You’re lucky to have him in this community, I can tell you.”
Lawler embraced the nickname.
“By the way, I do believe that is the nicest nickname he’s ever given anybody,” Lawler said.
Lawler described aggressively lobbying both congressional leadership and the White House to increase the SALT deduction from $10,000 to $40,000.
“Some even told me that I was going to piss off President Trump if I kept it up,” Lawler said. “But I understand something about the president that they don’t.”
“Donald Trump is, and always will be, a New Yorker at heart,” he continued. “He understands strength. He understands that sometimes you need to dig in and fight for what you believe in.”
Lawler then recounted a private Oval Office conversation with Trump over the tax bill, warning that it wouldn't be good for the president if the SALT deduction was excluded from it.
“Because I’ll kill your bill,” Lawler recalled telling the president if New Yorkers were left behind on SALT relief.
According to Lawler, Trump then turned to House Speaker Mike Johnson and said:
“Mike, Mike. Don’t let it happen, get Lawler all the SALT he wants.”
Lawler said the negotiations ultimately produced “the single largest tax cut in the entire bill.”
“And in my district, over 90% of my own constituents were able to fully deduct their state and local taxes,” he said.
Much of Lawler’s speech focused on affordability issues facing suburban New Yorkers, including housing costs, taxes, healthcare and energy prices.
“We are getting crushed under [Gov.] Kathy Hochul’s disastrous government,” Lawler said.
The congressman sharply criticized New York’s energy policies and called for the reopening of Indian Point nuclear power plant.
“The only way you are going to lower energy costs is by ditching phony mandates in favor of more supply right here in New York,” he said.
Lawler also took aim at sanctuary state policies approved in Albany.
“Just yesterday, Kathy Hochul and the state legislature passed the most radical sanctuary state bill in America,” he said.
He accused Democrats of protecting violent criminals from deportation and pledged continued support for Trump’s immigration policies.
“Under President Trump, we have secured the border and deported criminal aliens,” Lawler said. “And we will ban sanctuary states and cities.”
Still, Lawler repeatedly returned to themes of bipartisanship and practical governance — themes clearly designed to appeal to moderate voters in the politically divided district.
“We’re going to pass a bipartisan housing bill,” he said. “We’re going to pass a bipartisan permitting reform bill.”
He also pushed back aggressively against Democratic criticism of Republican healthcare reforms.
“Don’t let anybody lie to you,” Lawler said. “None of those who rely on Medicaid will see any cuts, not one penny to their benefits.”
Toward the end of the speech, Lawler previewed what is expected to become one of the most closely watched congressional races in the country.
“One of several Democrats who are all tripping over each other to pander to their increasingly radical anti-Semitic socialist base is going to emerge as my opponent in November,” he said.
Lawler argued that Democratic opposition to Trump has become rooted more in anger than governance.
“The people I mentioned don’t just disagree with the President and Republicans politically,” Lawler said. “I don’t think it’s going too far to say that they, and some in their party, are exclusively driven by anger and even hatred.”
By contrast, Lawler portrayed himself as a Republican willing to work both across the aisle and with the president.
“I have been consistently rated one of the most bipartisan and effective members of Congress,” he said. “I’m a Republican who actively works with common sense Democrats on key issues.”
He also argued that maintaining a strong relationship with the president is necessary to produce results for the district.
“The fact is, I do have a strong working relationship,” Lawler said. “And in part, it’s why he’s here today.”
Lawler closed the speech by touting what he described as major accomplishments for the Hudson Valley, including SALT relief, infrastructure investments, healthcare funding and constituent services.
“Folks, we are getting things done for Rockland County and the Hudson Valley,” he said. “The best is yet to come.”
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