In a plea for political harmony, New York Rep. Mike Lawler penned an op-ed in the New York Times urging a reduction in divisive rhetoric from leaders of both political parties. This appeal, however, arrives on the heels of a controversy involving a donation from Lawler to a candidate accused of sparking unrest.
According to campaign finance records, Lawler’s campaign contributed $1,000 to Erin Crowley in October 2025. At that time, Crowley was seeking reelection to the Putnam County Legislature and was also employed by Lawler as his deputy district director.
An investigation by LoHud in July 2025 found that Crowley’s phone number was linked to a private group chat on Signal. The group, named Fight Lawler, was organizing peaceful demonstrations highlighting Lawler’s political record.
Members of Fight Lawler allege that Crowley infiltrated their group using an alias, pretending to be an activist, and encouraged disruptive behavior at a forthcoming Lawler town hall in Somers, NY.
During the May 5 event, Crowley, attending as a Lawler staff member, was reported to have chastised attendees for disruptions while simultaneously urging the group chat to intensify their actions. The meeting descended into disorder, leading to a 64-year-old woman being removed by police, as detailed in Rolling Stone.
“She infiltrated our Signal group,” stated Maureen Morrissey, the co-founder of Fight Lawler. “We are so sickened by it.”
Crowley’s alleged actions have been widely criticized across the political spectrum. Progressive organizations, including the New York Working Families Party and Indivisible, demanded Crowley’s resignation from the Putnam County Legislature in a joint statement. Republican Paul Jonke, a fellow legislator, called her actions “disappointing,” and local GOP activist Frank Ciano advised Lawler to dismiss Crowley.
Despite these calls, Crowley remains employed by Lawler, as indicated on her LinkedIn profile, and she successfully secured another term in the legislature with financial backing from Lawler’s campaign.
As Lawler campaigns for reelection, he faces significant challenges as one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the House.
