NY-17: Rough Night for Republican at Town Hall in N.Y. Swing District

So it went for nearly two hours as Mr. Lawler, one of the House’s most vulnerable Republicans and a potential candidate for governor of New York, faced a torrent of criticism from liberal constituents over almost everything, from Republicans’ multitrillion-dollar tax cut plan to how brightly the room was lit.

It was a scene that has repeated itself across the country over the past two weeks for the small group of Republicans who have defied party leaders’ advice and convened feedback sessions with the people they represent, many of them anxious, angry and primed to vent over a president who they believe is acting with unchecked power.

By turns combative and catty, this particular civic exercise in New York’s 17th Congressional District looked less like the kind of respectful town-hall conversation Americans venerate than a shouting match where both sides accuse the other of acting in bad faith.

There were moments that offered attendees insight into Mr. Lawler’s thinking. One of the few Republicans who represent a Democratic-leaning district, he is poised to exercise outsize sway in the narrowly divided House this spring as his party tries to pass an enormous tax-and-spending-cut plan.

“When it comes to Medicaid, I have been very clear: I am not cutting benefits for any eligible recipient,” Mr. Lawler said.


https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/27/nyregion/mike-lawler-town-hall-trump.html