ALBANY – In a fiery critique, Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) lashed out at state Democrats on Monday, accusing them of deceitfully attempting to redraw his contentious district to gain an advantage over Republicans in the Hudson Valley.
Lawler stood alongside fellow GOP lawmakers in Albany as Democratic colleagues hurriedly moved to initiate constitutional amendments in New York, aiming to complete the process before the legislative session wraps up on Thursday.
The former state assemblyman condemned both Albany and Washington Democrats, accusing them of hypocrisy for advocating fair elections while allegedly manipulating electoral maps to their benefit.
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“They’re full of it. We know they’re full of it,” Lawler remarked, targeting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who has committed to New York’s involvement in a nationwide effort to gerrymander congressional maps, a move echoing Republican actions in Texas last year.
“The reality is, they will do whatever it takes to grab power,” Lawler asserted.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has also put her full support behind the effort, which Democrats are considering a âmust passâ item to do this week before lawmakers ditch Albany for the rest of the year.
The constitutional amendments, currently being crafted by Democratic lawmakers behind closed doors, would need to be passed by the state legislature again next year before going onto the ballot to be considered by voters in November 2027.
That means any changes being considered by the legislature through a constitutional amendment would not be in effect for this yearâs elections, including Lawler’s.
