He was roasting politicians by the fire — and touting himself as New York’s potential next governor.
GOP New York Rep. Mike Lawler torched the state’s Democrats while hinting he may run for governor in 2026 during his “Festivus” airing of grievances this week.
“Kathy Hochul is the most unpopular governor in the country, and make no mistake, she’s worked her ass off for that title,” Lawler quipped about his possible soon-to-be rival while sitting before a Christmas-themed background with a fireplace roaring in a video posted to X on Monday.
“No doubt she’s going to face a real challenge in 2026. I wonder who could beat her. Hmm. I might know a guy,” he said with a wink. “Anyway, that’s a video for another day.”
The Hudson Valley congressman, who has long ripped into the Democratic gov, blasted her for upping the state budget by more than $50 billion in under four years, shelling out money on migrants and pursuing Manhattan’s infamous congestion toll.
“She’s done such a bad job that even her own hand-picked lieutenant governor is retweeting articles about his plans to run against her,” Lawler said, referring to Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado.
Lawler, 38, who was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022, dusted off his top 10 grievances of 2024 in his “Festivus,” a secular tradition on Dec. 23 popularized by the TV comedy classic “Seinfeld.”
Hochul topped Lawler’s list. The No. 2 target for the rep was New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whom he raked over the coals for the five-count bribery indictment handed down against him in September.
“How bad of a year was it for Mr. Mayor? Well, when the highlight of your year is getting indicted for soliciting and accepting illegal campaign donations from wealthy foreigners — yikes,” Lawler jabbed.
The congressman pondered whether there was “any doubt” Hizzoner “joined [first lady] Jill Biden in voting for Trump.”
The Hudson Valley rep also poked at rival former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-NY) for having “three losses in a row,” joking that Delgado might pick him as his running mate in 2026.
The Republican lawmaker also knocked House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York on spending issues and New York Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for failing to pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act.
In two other Empire State-related swipes, Lawler took aim at Columbia University and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“Remember when we all thought Ivy League students were smart,” Lawler said.
“After watching these anti-semitic, self-entitled, brain-addled morons embarrass themselves and our state for the past year, I am prouder than ever to be a product of a truly great New York institution of learning,” he added in reference to his alma mater, Manhattan University.
In regards to the MTA, Lawler griped that “these corrupt clowns run a subway system where innocent [people] have to worry about getting burned alive, murdered, or shoved onto the tracks while hoping an ex-marine happens to be nearby to save them.”
In non-New York-related jabs, Lawler went straight for the jugular against President Biden.
“Speaking of forgetful and forgettable, have you ever seen someone’s presidency relegated to the ash heap of history quicker than Joe Biden’s,” he sniped. “Enjoy retirement, Joe. They serve ice cream daily.”
Lawler also gloated over the demise of his former colleague, ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who led the charge to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
“Speaking of hacks, happy trails to Matt Gaetz. Florida co-eds, beware — he’s back,” Lawler ribbed, alluding to the ethics report that dropped Monday unfurling accusations of Gaetz paying women for sex and having sex with a minor.
Gaetz has denied the allegations and accused the House Committee on Ethics of mounting a smear campaign against him.
Lawler is far from the only pol celebrating “Festivus” with politically charged grievances and humor.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) continued his longstanding tradition of marking “Festivus” with a tirade against government waste.
This year in his “Festivus” report, the senator chronicled roughly $1 trillion in what he deemed to be wasteful government spending, spotlighting projects such as climate-focused drag shows-on-ice and testing cocaine on moody rats.
