In the Hudson Valley district, a fresh advertising initiative is drawing attention to the economic impacts of political decisions. Advocacy group Empire State Voices has launched a $7,000 campaign targeting Representative Mike Lawler, accusing him of contributing to rising costs.
The campaign, labeled the “Mike Spike,” is being promoted through newspaper ads, mobile billboards, and a banner over Interstate 287, aiming to highlight three specific votes by Lawler: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), support for former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, and backing the ongoing war in Iran.
According to Time Magazine, a significant consequence of the OBBB is that 450,000 New Yorkers have lost health insurance due to cuts in Medicaid and the discontinuation of Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies. These cuts are intended to fund tax breaks favoring wealthier individuals and corporations.
Despite the criticism, Lawler has defended the bill, describing it as a model of responsible governance. Nationwide, around 7.5 million Medicaid enrollees are expected to lose coverage because of this legislation.
In addition, Lawler has been supportive of Trump’s tariff policy, viewing it as a short-term measure aimed at achieving long-term economic benefits. However, a report from the Joint House Economic Committee Democrats indicates that New Yorkers spent an additional $310 on groceries last year, a 4% increase since Trump returned to office, attributed to these tariffs.
Furthermore, the same report notes that New Yorkers have incurred $432 more in gasoline expenses due to the conflict in Iran. Despite this, Lawler has supported the war and voted against a war powers resolution that might have ended it.
Dylan Wheeler, the Senior Organizing Director of Empire State Voices, criticizes Lawler for prioritizing media appearances over addressing constituent needs. Wheeler states, “We need our Congressman to start supporting meaningful legislation to lower our costs, and stop putting partisan politics ahead of what’s best for New Yorkers.”
Lawler is seeking a third term this year, with Cait Conley running as his Democratic challenger.
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