**Rep. Mike Lawler Apologizes for 2006 Blackface Costume**

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) has issued an apology following the emergence of photos showing him donning blackface while dressed as Michael Jackson at a college Halloween party in 2006.

The New York Times was the first to publish the photos of the now 38-year-old Lawler, who is currently vying for re-election in a highly competitive congressional district held by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

In a statement shared with various media outlets, including Axios, Lawler explained that his outfit was intended as a "genuine" tribute to Michael Jackson.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that, a year prior to the blackface incident, Lawler traveled to California as a high school senior to attend Jackson's trial on molestation charges.

With the Cook Political Report rating Lawler's race as a "toss-up," this controversy could impact his re-election prospects.