HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — Eleven law enforcement organizations representing officers across the Hudson Valley, New York City and New York State endorsed U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler for reelection Monday during an event in Rockland County.
The organizations collectively represent more than 80,000 law enforcement officers statewide, according to Lawler’s campaign. The Republican congressman is seeking another term representing New York’s 17th Congressional District, which includes all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess counties.
Among the organizations announcing endorsements were the Rockland County PBA, Police Conference of New York, Port Authority PBA, Port Authority Sergeants Benevolent Association, Haverstraw PBA, Carmel PBA, Carmel LBA, Westchester County Correction Superior Officers Association, New York State Supreme Court Officers Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York City and New York State Fraternal Order of Police.
Lawler, a Rockland County native and former state assemblyman, told those gathered that local police play an important role in the communities they serve.
“I grew up here in Rockland County. I know what it means to live in a community where the police are part of the neighborhood, where they coach the teams, know the families, and show up for people on the worst day of their lives,” Lawler said.
Rockland County PBA President Sean O’Connor said the organization’s endorsement was based on Lawler’s record rather than his party affiliation.
“When it comes to policing and public safety, our decisions are not driven by party affiliation,” O’Connor said. “They are based on the individual, their record, and their commitment to those who serve and protect Rockland County.”
Police Conference of New York President Mike O’Mara said his organization unanimously endorsed Lawler at its May meeting. O’Mara said the group has worked with Lawler since his time in the state Assembly and praised his support for law enforcement.
The endorsement event also highlighted immigration enforcement, which has emerged as an issue in Lawler’s reelection campaign against Democratic nominee Cait Conley. Conley won the Democratic primary in June and will face Lawler in the November general election.
Lawler criticized Conley over her support from the Working Families Party and challenged her to oppose New York’s Local Cops, Local Crimes Act.
The state law restricts local governments and law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements that use local personnel or resources for federal civil immigration enforcement, including certain agreements under the federal 287(g) program.
Lawler characterized the measure as a “sanctuary law” and argued that it interferes with cooperation between local police agencies and federal immigration authorities.
“I have a simple question for Cait Conley: will you call on Albany to repeal its sanctuary law, yes or no?” Lawler said.
The Lawler campaign’s announcement did not include a response from Conley to his criticism.
Lawler closed the event by thanking the law enforcement organizations for their endorsements and pledged to continue supporting police and public safety initiatives if reelected.
“This election is a choice,” Lawler said. “I made my choice a long time ago, and I will never apologize for backing the blue.”