Key facts
- Rep. Mike Lawler admitted to a drunk driving arrest from March 2012.
- The arrest occurred near Exit 13 on the Palisades Parkway after Lawler drove home from Manhattan.
- He was 25 years old at the time and had just learned his father's cancer had spread.
- The case was resolved with a driving while ability impaired (DWAI) plea.
- Lawler stated he was deeply disappointed in himself and for letting down his father, who was a recovering alcoholic.
- He recently shared his experience with students at Nanuet High School.
Republican New York Representative Mike Lawler has publicly disclosed a drunk driving arrest from March 2012, which was resolved with a driving while ability impaired (DWAI) plea. Lawler, who was 25 at the time and dealing with his father's worsening cancer, stated he was deeply disappointed in himself and for letting down his father, who had been sober for nearly two decades.
Lawler shared these details in an exclusive interview with News 12, emphasizing that his decision to speak about the incident was not politically motivated but rather an effort to share a valuable lesson with students. He recently spoke with graduating seniors at Nanuet High School about the experience, hoping to encourage responsible choices.
At the time of his arrest, Lawler was involved in New York politics, serving as the executive director of the New York Republican Committee and later as campaign manager for Rob Astorino. He is currently running for reelection in New York's 17th congressional district against Democrat Cait Conley in a closely watched race.
Lawler has also been an advocate for drunk driving prevention, working with Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell to urge the implementation of anti-drunk-driving technology in new vehicles. He received the "Legislative Hero Award" from Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2024.