Montebello, NY – Montebello Deputy Mayor Stacy Caridi, a Democrat, endorsed Republican Congressman Mike Lawler for reelection on Oct. 5, citing federal funding for local infrastructure and Lawler’s positions on Israel and antisemitism among the reasons for her decision.
Caridi announced the endorsement in a video released by Lawler’s campaign. She said she has known Lawler since he represented the area in the New York State Assembly and said she was choosing to support him despite their different political party affiliations.
“I’m a Democrat, and I’m voting for Mike Lawler,” Caridi said. “I’ve known Mike since he was our Assemblyman.”
Caridi pointed to Lawler’s connections to Rockland County, noting that he grew up in the county, graduated from Suffern High School and currently lives and raises his family in the area.
She also cited federal funding that Lawler has said he helped obtain for New York’s 17th Congressional District.
“Mike has brought over $120 million back to our district,” Caridi said. “That includes $5 million for sidewalks and safer roads across Ramapo and its villages.”
According to the campaign release, the $5 million is intended for transportation and pedestrian improvements throughout the Town of Ramapo and its villages, including Montebello. The planned work includes traffic signals, turning lanes, sidewalks and other pedestrian improvements.
The release states that Lawler first secured the funding in 2024 and that Congress recently approved the allocation.
Caridi also said Lawler’s positions on Israel and antisemitism played a role in her endorsement.
“Mike stands with Israel, and he stands up to antisemitism,” Caridi said. “He calls it out when it comes from the right, and he calls it out when it comes from the left.”
Caridi described her endorsement as a decision based on what she believes is best for the community rather than political party affiliation.
“I’m putting my community ahead of my party and supporting a candidate who works for all of us,” Caridi said. “On November 3rd, I hope you’ll join me and vote for Mike Lawler for Congress.”
Caridi is the second Democratic local official identified by Lawler’s campaign as endorsing him during the current election cycle. The campaign said New Castle Town Councilwoman Ally Chemtob endorsed Lawler in September.
Lawler thanked Caridi for her endorsement and referred to their relationship dating back to his time in the State Assembly.
“I’ve known Stacy since my days in the Assembly, and she has always put the people of Montebello first,” Lawler said.
Lawler also referenced the $5 million in funding for transportation and pedestrian improvements in Ramapo.
“Safer streets for families in Ramapo and its villages were worth fighting for in Washington, and I’m proud we secured that funding,” he said.
Lawler said he viewed Caridi’s endorsement as an example of support that crosses party lines.
“Stacy judges people by their work, regardless of party, and her support means a great deal to me,” Lawler said. “I’m going to keep earning that trust from voters of every party across this district.”
Lawler also described himself as a bipartisan member of Congress and said he intends to continue working with members of both political parties if reelected.
“As one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, I know how important it is to work with Republicans and Democrats to get things done, and I look forward to continuing that in the 120th Congress,” Lawler said.
Caridi’s endorsement adds another local Democratic official to the list of supporters publicly backing Lawler’s reelection campaign. Her endorsement does not represent an endorsement by the Village of Montebello or the Democratic Party; it is her individual political endorsement.