Lawler targets Hochul’s friend-turned-foe as rumors about gubernatorial bid grow – Washington Examiner

Jack BirleMarch 31, 2025

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Mike Lawler, a Republican representative from New York, is targeting democratic Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado over Delgado’s participation in town halls hosted by groups accused of promoting election denialism adn antisemitism. As lawler considers a potential run for governor in the upcoming 2026 election,he has publicly called on Delgado and other Democrats to denounce these groups,particularly Indivisible Rockland. Lawler criticized Delgado for aligning with these organizations, suggesting it undermines democratic values.

In response, Delgado defended his engagement with constituents, implying that Lawler is intimidated by public dissent against him. He accused Lawler of dishonesty regarding issues such as healthcare cuts in his district.The exchange underscores a growing rivalry as rumors of delgado possibly seeking other political offices circulate,especially since he has separated himself from Governor Kathy Hochul’s reelection campaign.The tensions between both politicians highlight notable themes in new York politics leading up to the next gubernatorial election.

Lawler targets Hochul’s friend-turned-foe as rumors about gubernatorial bid grow

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) went after Democratic Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado over his participation in town halls sponsored by groups he claimed advanced election denialism and antisemitism.

Lawler, who is widely believed to be exploring a run for governor of the Empire State in 2026, took aim at Delgado, who has split from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D-NY) reelection bid, ahead of his event in Lawler’s district. Delgado, in his announcement that he would not run on Hochul’s ticket, said “all options are on the table” regarding which offices he may run for.

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The New York Republican’s campaign took aim at Delgado and Democrats by calling on them to denounce the groups, including Indivisible Rockland, over their past actions.

Why is Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado attending an event hosted by radicals who have promoted antisemitism and election denialism on social media and at their events?

And why has Kathy Hochul remained silent while he does it? pic.twitter.com/kke9NN1zP4

— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) March 30, 2025

“It’s beyond hypocritical for radical far-left activists to claim they care about defending democracy while simultaneously backing frivolous lawsuits — steeped in antisemitic conspiracy theories — that attempt to overturn our democratic elections,” Lawler campaign spokesman Chris Russell said in a statement.

“Indivisible Rockland prominently displayed a call to action encouraging voters to join the lawsuit earlier this week. Lt. Governor Delgado should immediately cancel his plans and unambiguously condemn the antisemitic imagery and rhetoric at Indivisible Rockland’s recent rally,” Russell added.

Delgado countered by claiming Lawler was “scared” of talking with his constituents in a town hall setting.

Hey @lawler4ny – I was first elected to Congress in a district that voted for Trump b/c I listen and stand up for the people.

I get you’re scared because folks are rallying against you in your own district, but people want leaders who listen and fight for them — not more of the… https://t.co/S9PBX8pswx

— Antonio Delgado (@DelgadoforNY) March 30, 2025

“Hey @lawler4ny — I was first elected to Congress in a district that voted for Trump b/c I listen and stand up for the people. I get you’re scared because folks are rallying against you in your own district, but people want leaders who listen and fight for them — not more of the same tired, status quo politicians launching baseless attacks,” Delgado said.

Lawler responded to Delgado by again referring to actions from the groups that organized the town hall, saying, “Good to know you are ok with it.”

These are the folks you chose to associate with today — Indivisible Rockland, Rockland United, Clarkstown Dems — that organized your event. They have promoted antisemitism and election denialism just in the last two weeks. Good to know you are ok with it. https://t.co/iWlN0Hy77q pic.twitter.com/AYxcwWHNXC

— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) March 30, 2025

“These are the folks you chose to associate with today — Indivisible Rockland, Rockland United, Clarkstown Dems — that organized your event. They have promoted antisemitism and election denialism just in the last two weeks. Good to know you are ok with it,” Lawler said.

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Delgado returned Lawler’s jab by claiming the New York Republican “lied about cutting health care for your constituents” and about a Social Security office in his district being shuttered.

Lawler expressed his outrage last week at the news of the office’s closure, calling it “a slap in the face” for his constituents. The decision to close the office due to mold was made in December 2024 during the Biden administration.