New York Rep. Mike Lawler Calls for Political Unity Amid Controversy
In a recent op-ed published by the New York Times, Rep. Mike Lawler of New York urged both Democrats and Republicans to reduce inflammatory rhetoric and bridge political divides. This appeal comes in the wake of his financial support for a candidate embroiled in a controversy related to inciting unrest.
Campaign finance records reveal that Lawler’s campaign contributed $1,000 to Erin Crowley in October 2025. At the time, Crowley was campaigning for re-election to the Putnam County Legislature while also serving as Lawler’s deputy district director.
In July 2025, a report by LoHud disclosed that Crowley’s phone number was associated with a private chat group on the messaging app Signal. The group, known as Fight Lawler, was organizing peaceful demonstrations to highlight Lawler’s political record.
Members of Fight Lawler allege that Crowley infiltrated their group under a pseudonym, posing as an activist and encouraging disruptive behavior at a forthcoming Lawler town hall meeting in Somers, NY.
During the May 5 meeting, Crowley was present in her capacity as a Lawler staff member. Witnesses reported that she chastised some attendees for their disruptions while simultaneously urging the chat group to escalate their actions. The meeting ultimately descended into disorder, culminating in the police removing a 64-year-old woman from the venue, as reported by Rolling Stone.
Maureen Morrissey, co-founder of Fight Lawler, expressed her dismay, stating, “She infiltrated our Signal group. We are so sickened by it.”
Crowley’s actions have drawn criticism from a wide range of political figures. Progressive organizations, including the New York Working Families Party and Indivisible, have demanded her resignation from the Putnam County Legislature. Republican Paul Jonke, a fellow legislator, described her behavior as “disappointing,” and local Republican activist Frank Ciano urged Lawler to terminate her employment.
Despite these calls, Crowley remains employed by Lawler, according to her LinkedIn profile. Furthermore, she secured another term on the Putnam County Legislature, backed by Lawler’s financial support.
As Lawler seeks reelection, he is viewed as one of the most at-risk Republican incumbents in the House.
The post Mike Lawler donated to staffer accused of inciting town hall chaos appeared first on American Journal News.
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