Mike Lawler is a Republican U.S. representative for New York's 17th Congressional District. He previously served in the New York State Assembly and serves on the House Financial Services and Foreign Affairs committees.
Case
Rudy Giuliani, George Pataki, and some September 11 victims’ relatives opposed Zohran Mamdani attending the 2026 memorial, citing his rhetoric and associations. Mamdani said he would honor victims; other elected officials and a family group said excluding the sitting mayor would politicize the commemoration.
Role at the time: Republican U.S. representative for New York's 17th District, interviewed by Fox
Responding to
Should Zohran Mamdani attend New York City’s 9/11 memorial?
"I don't think he should be there"
Explicit opposition to attendance, not an inference from party affiliation.
Statement dates: September 10, 2026
Statement dates: September 10, 2026
