He was grilling politicians and promoting himself as a candidate for New York's next governor.
Republican New York state Rep. Mike Lawler slammed the state's Democratic Party this week on his grievance show “Festival,” hinting at a possible run for governor in 2026.
“Kathy Hochul is the most unpopular governor in the country. Without a doubt, she has worked hard to earn that title,” Lawler said while sitting in front of a Christmas-themed backdrop with a roaring fireplace. , quipped about his soon-to-be rival governor. In a video posted to X on Monday.
“I'm sure she'll face a big challenge in 2026. Who can beat her? Hmm. Maybe I know a guy,” he said with a wink. “Anyway, that's a video for another day.”
The Hudson Valley congressman, who has long made inroads with the Democratic governor, slammed her for increasing the state budget by more than $50 billion in less than four years, funneling money to immigrants and pursuing the toll of Manhattan's notorious traffic jams. .
“She's been so bad that even her own elected lieutenant governor is retweeting articles about plans to run against her,” Lawler said, referring to Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.
Lawler, 38, who was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022, aired his top 10 grievances for 2024 at a “festival” on December 23. This is a secular tradition popularized by the classic television comedy “Seinfeld.”
At the top of Mr. Lawlor's list was Hochul. The representative's second target was New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whom he thoroughly raked in a five-count bribery indictment handed down against him in September.
“How bad has this year been for mayors? Well, the highlight of your year is being indicted for soliciting and receiving illegal campaign contributions from wealthy foreigners — come on,” Lawler said. I snapped.
The lawmaker pondered whether there was “any doubt that Mr. Hitzner participated.” [first lady] Jill Biden voted for Trump. ”
The Hudson Valley congressman also teased that his rival, former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.), is on a “three-game losing streak” and suggested Delgado might choose her as his running mate in 2026. I joked.
The Republican also criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York over spending issues and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York for failing to pass the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act. did.
In two other Empire State-related swipes, Lawler targeted Columbia University and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“Remember when we all thought Ivy League students were smart,” Lawler said.
“Over the past year, as I've watched these anti-Semitic, self-entitled, deranged idiots disgrace themselves and our state, I've come to believe that New York's truly great… “I am more proud than ever to be a part of the institution,” he added in the mention. He went to his alma mater, Manhattan College.
Regarding the MTA, Lawler complained that “these corrupt clowns are running an innocent subway system.” [people] Worrying about being burned alive, killed, or pushed onto the railroad tracks, you pray that some ex-Marine happens to be nearby and can save you. ”
In a jab unrelated to New York, Lawler went straight for the carotid artery against President Biden.
“Speaking of forgetfulness, have you ever seen the presidency of someone who was relegated to the ash heap of history more quickly than Joe Biden?” he said. “Enjoy your retirement, Joe. We serve you ice cream every day.”
Lawlor also mourned the death of a former colleague, a former congressman. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who led the effort to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California).
“Speaking of hacking, the happy story of Matt Gaetz. Look out, Florida co-eds — he's back.” Lawler said Gaetz paid women for sex. , alluding to Monday's ethics report that laid out accusations that he had sex with minors.
Gaetz has denied the allegations and accused the House Ethics Committee of launching a smear campaign against him.
Lawlor is not the only Paul to celebrate the festival with political grievances and humor.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) continued the long-standing tradition of marking the “festival” with a blistering attack on government waste.
This year, the senator in his “Festival” report documented nearly $1 trillion in government spending he deemed wasted, including ice drug shows focused on climate change and cocaine experiments with moody rats. The spotlight was on projects such as.
