Empire State Voices Targets Rep. Lawler in $7K “Mike Spike” Ad Campaign

Empire State Voices Critiques Rep. Mike Lawler Over Economic Decisions

Empire State Voices, a group advocating for New York’s working class, has initiated a $7,000 advertising campaign to draw attention to Representative Mike Lawler’s voting record, which they claim has led to increased living costs.

The campaign’s advertisements, featuring the term “Mike Spike” to describe the rising costs, are being circulated through newspapers across Lawler’s Hudson Valley area. In addition, mobile billboards and a banner have been placed over Interstate 287.

According to the ads, Lawler’s decisions have contributed to higher expenses in three significant ways: his votes in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), his support of former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, and his backing of the conflict in Iran.

Time Magazine highlighted in July that 450,000 New Yorkers have lost health insurance due to OBBB’s reductions in Medicaid and the lack of renewal for Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies. These cuts are intended to fund tax breaks mainly benefiting affluent individuals and large corporations.

Lawler commended OBBB, describing it as a “blueprint for how we can govern responsibly.” Overall, approximately 7.5 million Medicaid recipients are anticipated to lose health insurance because of this legislation.

Furthermore, Lawler has endorsed Trump’s tariff policy introduced last year, promoting it as a temporary strategy expected to produce long-term benefits.

However, a recent analysis by Democrats on the Joint House Economic Committee reveals that New Yorkers spent $310 more on groceries last year due to these tariffs, marking a 4% increase since Trump resumed office.

Additionally, the report indicates that New Yorkers faced an increase of $432 in gasoline expenses directly tied to the war in Iran. Lawler has shown support for the conflict and opposed a war powers resolution that might have facilitated its end.

Dylan Wheeler, Senior Organizing Director of Empire State Voices, criticizes Lawler for prioritizing media appearances over constituent needs.

“We need our Congressman to start supporting meaningful legislation to lower our costs, and stop putting partisan politics ahead of what’s best for New Yorkers,” Wheeler stated.

Lawler is campaigning for a third term this year, with Cait Conley as his Democratic challenger.