### Controversy Arises as Photos Emerge of New York Congressman Mike Lawler in Blackface

Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican currently in a tight re-election race, is facing scrutiny after photographs surfaced showing him in blackface at a college Halloween party nearly two decades ago. The images, which The New York Times recently acquired, depict a young Lawler, about 20 years old at the time, dressed as pop icon Michael Jackson during a campus social event in October 2006.

In the photos, Lawler is seen wearing a black shirt and red jacket, imitating Michael Jackson's signature style. His face is visibly darkened, which is a practice long criticized and considered racist. Lawler, who has often spoken of his admiration for Michael Jackson, expressed that his costume was meant as a tribute to the musician who had been his hero since childhood. "It was intended as truly the sincerest form of flattery, a genuine homage to my musical hero," Lawler stated.

These revelations come at a critical time for Lawler, a rising star in the Republican Party from the Hudson Valley, as he faces Mondaire Jones, a Black Democrat and former congressman, in a highly competitive suburban swing district. The controversy could also impact Lawler’s potential bid for the New York governorship in 2026.

Lawler, now 38, has confirmed the authenticity of the photos but has reiterated that his intentions were not malicious. Nevertheless, the issue has sparked considerable debate given the sensitive nature of racial impersonation and its historical context.

This development adds another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes re-election campaign, putting Lawler’s political future and aspirations under intense public scrutiny.