New details from a 2012 police report have surfaced regarding a DWI arrest of Republican U.S. Representative Mike Lawler, a lawmaker whose New York district voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. The incident, which occurred before Lawler entered public office, was not disclosed in his previous campaigns.
Lawler himself revealed the arrest in an interview with News12 in July, describing it as "not my proudest moment" and expressing gratitude that "nobody was hurt."
A police report obtained by the New York Post details that Lawler was cited for speeding, driving too closely, crossing hazard markings multiple times, making an unsafe lane change, and changing lanes without signaling. He was traveling 74 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Lawler failed a breathalyzer test at the scene. The report indicates his blood-alcohol content was .14, nearly double New York's legal limit of .08. He later pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving with ability impaired (DWAI).
Lawler, who has since become an advocate for combating drunk driving, received the 'Legislative Hero Award' from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in July 2024. He has also championed legislation aimed at preventing impaired driving, including co-sponsoring the Drunk Driving Prevention and Enforcement Act and urging the implementation of the HALT Drunk Driving Law, which mandates advanced anti-drunk driving technology in new vehicles.
Lawler's past legislative actions also include advocating for the deportation of undocumented immigrants with DUIs. He has also highlighted his working relationship with former President Trump, who campaigned with him in May.
His seat is currently rated as a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report. Lawler won his last election in 2024 with 52.1 percent of the vote. He is currently running against Democrat Cait Conley.