Grieving Parents Endorse GOP Rep. Lawler, Criticize Opponent on Sanctuary Policies

The parents of Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University student who was allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant, have endorsed Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler in New York’s 17th Congressional District. The endorsement came in a 30-second television advertisement that also criticized Democratic challenger Cait Conley for supporting sanctuary policies.

In the ad, Jessica Gorman, Sheridan’s mother, stated that she and her husband, Tom Gorman, "choose leaders who choose us." She referred to Jose Medina, the migrant accused of shooting their 18-year-old daughter on March 19 in Chicago. Tom Gorman added that "sanctuary policies being pushed by [Gov.] Kathy Hochul and Democrats killed our daughter. This has to stop."

Sheridan Gorman was killed while walking with friends along Lake Michigan. Her alleged killer had prior encounters with law enforcement. New York state law, signed by Gov. Hochul, restricts local law enforcement cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration enforcement. Chicago also has sanctuary policies.

Conley, on her website, has stated support for federal legislation that would prohibit agreements between county police and ICE for immigration enforcement. During a debate on Monday, Conley did not directly answer the Gormans' question about overturning sanctuary laws. Jessica Gorman described Conley's response as "cowardly" and "disrespectful."

Conley's campaign issued a statement expressing sympathy for the Gorman family and asserting that “our government failed Sheridan.” The statement added, "We must ensure that both law and immigration enforcement have the resources and support they need to protect our communities from drug cartels, human traffickers, and violent criminals." Conley, a U.S. Army veteran, stated that "the safety and security of our families will always be my number one priority."

Conley’s campaign also indicated support for revoking agreements that allow local police to conduct immigration enforcement, arguing that this would enable local law enforcement to focus on community protection rather than federal duties. However, they stated this would still hold criminals accountable.

Lawler's campaign is reportedly spending seven figures on the advertisements. The race in the swing district is considered closely contested and could be influential in determining control of the House of Representatives.

Lawler, a former state assemblyman, is seeking his third term. Conley is a U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate who worked in the Department of Homeland Security under the Biden administration, marking her first political campaign.