Incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) is facing a barrage of attack ads from his challenger, former Rep. Mondaire Jones, focusing on Lawler’s support for private schools. This aggressive campaign comes as Lawler represents a diverse constituency in New York’s 17th District, which includes a significant Orthodox Jewish community that places supreme value on educational choice and the role of private institutions.

Recent advertisements, funded by the New York State Democratic Committee, assert that Lawler’s support for private schools comes at the expense of public education funding. One eye-catching mailer features an image of Lawler alongside a graphic that suggests his votes “suck” money from public schools, accompanied by dollar bills and a sweeping brush. Another mailer echoes these sentiments, saying, “Mike Lawler doesn’t care about our schools” and accusing him of wanting to divert public funds to private education.

However, Lawler’s advocacy for private schools is crucial for many families in his district who rely on these institutions for quality education. Orthodox Jewish families, in particular, view private education as essential, providing their children with a curriculum that aligns with their values and beliefs. By supporting educational options, Lawler is responding to the needs and preferences of his constituents rather than disregarding them.

In contrast to Jones’ attack strategy, which appears designed to stoke division among voters, Lawler remains focused on his commitment to education in all forms. During his tenure, he has consistently emphasized the importance of funding for both public and private schools, advocating for policies that benefit all students. Lawler understands that quality education is not a zero-sum game; rather, a robust support system for private institutions can coexist with public education.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)