He was roasting politicians by the hearth — and touting himself as New York’s potential subsequent governor.
GOP New York Rep. Mike Lawler torched the state’s Democrats whereas hinting he might run for governor in 2026 throughout his “Festivus” airing of grievances this week.
“Kathy Hochul is probably the most unpopular governor within the nation, and make no mistake, she’s labored her ass off for that title,” Lawler quipped about his attainable soon-to-be rival whereas sitting earlier than a Christmas-themed background with a fire roaring in a video posted to X on Monday.
“Little question she’s going to face an actual problem in 2026. I ponder who may beat her. Hmm. I would know a man,” he mentioned with a wink. “Anyway, that’s a video for an additional day.”
The Hudson Valley congressman, who has lengthy ripped into the Democratic gov, blasted her for upping the state funds by greater than $50 billion in beneath 4 years, shelling out cash on migrants and pursuing Manhattan’s notorious congestion toll.
“She’s carried out such a nasty job that even her personal hand-picked lieutenant governor is retweeting articles about his plans to run in opposition to her,” Lawler mentioned, referring to Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.
Lawler, 38, who was first elected to the Home of Representatives in 2022, dusted off his prime 10 grievances of 2024 in his “Festivus,” a secular custom on Dec. 23 popularized by the TV comedy traditional “Seinfeld.”
Hochul topped Lawler’s record. The No. 2 goal for the rep was New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams, whom he raked over the coals for the five-count bribery indictment handed down in opposition to him in September.
“How dangerous of a yr was it for Mr. Mayor? Nicely, when the spotlight of your yr is getting indicted for soliciting and accepting unlawful marketing campaign donations from rich foreigners — yikes,” Lawler jabbed.
The congressman contemplated whether or not there was “any doubt” Hizzoner “joined [first lady] Jill Biden in voting for Trump.”
The Hudson Valley rep additionally poked at rival former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-NY) for having “three losses in a row,” joking that Delgado may decide him as his operating mate in 2026.
The Republican lawmaker additionally knocked Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries of New York on spending points and New York Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer for failing to go the Antisemitism Consciousness Act.
In two different Empire State-related swipes, Lawler took goal at Columbia College and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“Bear in mind after we all thought Ivy League college students have been good,” Lawler mentioned.
“After watching these anti-semitic, self-entitled, brain-addled morons embarrass themselves and our state for the previous yr, I’m prouder than ever to be a product of a really nice New York establishment of studying,” he added in reference to his alma mater, Manhattan College.
Regarding the MTA, Lawler griped that “these corrupt clowns run a subway system the place harmless [people] have to fret about getting burned alive, murdered, or shoved onto the tracks whereas hoping an ex-marine occurs to be close by to avoid wasting them.”
In non-New York-related jabs, Lawler went straight for the jugular in opposition to President Biden.
“Talking of forgetful and forgettable, have you ever ever seen somebody’s presidency relegated to the ash heap of historical past faster than Joe Biden’s,” he sniped. “Get pleasure from retirement, Joe. They serve ice cream day by day.”
Lawler additionally gloated over the demise of his former colleague, ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who led the cost to oust former Home Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
“Talking of hacks, joyful trails to Matt Gaetz. Florida co-eds, beware — he’s again,” Lawler ribbed, alluding to the ethics report that dropped Monday unfurling accusations of Gaetz paying girls for intercourse and having intercourse with a minor.
Gaetz has denied the allegations and accused the Home Committee on Ethics of mounting a smear marketing campaign in opposition to him.
Lawler is way from the one pol celebrating “Festivus” with politically charged grievances and humor.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) continued his longstanding custom of marking “Festivus” with a tirade in opposition to authorities waste.
This yr in his “Festivus” report, the senator chronicled roughly $1 trillion in what he deemed to be wasteful authorities spending, spotlighting tasks akin to climate-focused drag shows-on-ice and testing cocaine on moody rats.
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