Rep. Mike Lawler, a vulnerable Republican in New York’s 17th District, has raised $1.1 million in the third quarter, ending with $2.3 million cash on hand as Democrats target the New York Republican in the 2026 midterms. His campaign said it was the strongest fundraising quarter the moderate House Republican has had in a non-election year.
Lawler’s campaign spokesman Chris Russell told Fox News Digital that the numbers show ‘our message is winning, and our ground game is unmatched.’ The spokesperson highlighted elements of Lawler’s platform, including the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ passed by Republicans earlier this year, which Democrats have been messaging hard against. This legislation, focused on reforming the state’s tax laws, is framed by Lawler as a middle-class tax relief initiative, with the campaign asserting that it delivers tangible benefits to working families.
His $1.1 million haul means Lawler’s campaign ended the quarter with $2.3 million cash on hand. This financial strength has positioned him as a formidable opponent for Democrats, who are preparing multiple candidates to challenge him in the 2026 midterms. Notably, the district is currently rated +1 in favor of Democrats by the non-partisan Cook Political Report, making Lawler one of the most competitive political figures in the region.
Lawler’s district includes suburbs just outside of New York City, which were pivotal in the GOP’s win and subsequent retention of control over the House in the 2022 and 2024 elections. As Democrats gear up for the 2026 midterms, they are betting that their base will be energized in response to President Donald Trump and his policies, a gamble that paid off for the left in the 2018 midterms when they swept the House of Representatives.
However, New York Republicans have been able to leverage their own fear of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, the current frontrunner for mayor of New York City. Lawler has warned that Mamdani’s candidacy represents a danger for New York City’s financial stability, criticizing the candidate’s stance on public finances and social policies.
While Lawler’s campaign is focused on his financial strength and policy achievements, his position as a moderate within the party has positioned him as a potential bridge between the party’s base and its more centrist faction. This dynamic could influence future legislative strategies and political realignments within the Republican Party.