Photos show Rep. Mike Lawler of New York in blackface at college Halloween party in 2006

The images emerged as Lawler, a first-term Republican, is locked in a competitive reelection fight for his congressional seat in New York's Hudson Valley.

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler said he was sorry Thursday after the New York Times obtained photos of him wearing blackface about two decades ago at a college Halloween costume party where he dressed as Michael Jackson. The images emerged as Lawler, a first-term Republican, is locked in a competitive reelection fight for his congressional seat in New York's Hudson Valley.

Let me be clear, this is not that,” he said, adding that the costume was intended as “a genuine homage to one of my childhood idols.” “I am a student of history and for anyone who takes offense to the photo, I am sorry,” Lawler said. 'All you can do is live and learn, and I appreciate everyone’s grace along the way.” The Times reported that the photo was taken in 2006 when Lawler was 20. Lawler is in a tough race against Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mondaire Jones, who is Black.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

latimes /  🏆 11. in US

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

New York Giants Week 2 Scratches | New York Giants TrackerThe Giants' Week 2 inactive list has no surprises this week.
Read more »

New season, new faces, heightened expectations for the New York KnicksLast season, the Knicks made a valiant journey to the Eastern Conference semifinals, losing 4-3 to the Indiana Pacers.
Read more »

NFL Inactive ReportNew York (AP) — NEW YORK (AP) — The National Football League Inactive Report. NEW YORK JETS at TENNESSEE TITANS — NEW YORK: CB D.J.
Read more »

New York Fashion Week Party Photos Spring Summer 2025The best party photos from New York Fashion Week spring/summer 2025, including Barneys and Hourglass' garden party, Jacquemus' Nordstrom cocktail and more.
Read more »

NYLON Party Photos New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025Jamie Pearl photographs the best parties of New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 featuring Amber Valletta, Charlotte Lawrence, and more celebrities.
Read more »

Best Street Style Photos From New York Fashion Week Fall 2024Enjoy photos of New York Fashion Week street style Spring 2024.
Read more »