"I Am Not An Arsonist": Rep. Mike Lawler Hits Back at Opponent

Summary

Podcast Summary: Brian Kilmeade Show (June 25, 2026) – "I Am Not An Arsonist": Rep. Mike Lawler Hits Back at Opponent

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Episode Overview

This episode sees Brian Kilmeade engage Congressman Mike Lawler in a candid and energetic discussion about the implications of New York’s latest primary results, the ideological shifts within the Democratic Party, allegations from Lawler’s opponent, and key battleground issues. The conversation centers on the growing influence of socialist candidates in New York and the repercussions for broader American politics. Lawler addresses accusations from his challenger, touches on anti-Semitism across party lines, and emphasizes his bipartisan legislative efforts.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New York’s Primary Results and Democratic Party Turmoil

• Socialists Surge in New York: Lawler interprets recent primary outcomes as proof of a “big night” for socialists in New York, noting their gains in both congressional and legislative seats.
  • "The socialists had a very big night... they are on the march and Mamdani is leading the charge. And frankly, Jefferies and Schumer look pathetic and weak." – Mike Lawler (01:46)
• Progressives vs. Socialists: Kilmeade and Lawler debate whether defeated Democrats (like Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat) were moderates, concluding they were already far-left before being replaced by "radical socialists.”
  • "Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat are hardcore progressives... But they were taken out by radical socialists, many of whom espouse anti-American viewpoints." – Mike Lawler (01:46)
• Democratic Party's Identity Crisis: Lawler asserts that radical socialists are now steering the party, with mainstream Democrats unable or unwilling to push back.
  • "They admit they're not even really Democrats. They're just using the Democratic Party as the vehicle." – Mike Lawler (03:54)

2. Socialism Debate & National Party Ramifications

• Calls to Denounce Socialism: Lawler criticizes Democrats for refusing to clearly distance themselves from socialist ideology, contrasting his own readiness to call out extremes in his own party.
  • "I had no problem calling out Thomas Massie or Marjorie Taylor Greene when I disagreed... You have to be willing to push back." – Mike Lawler (03:54)
• High-Stakes for the Nation: Lawler describes the fight as transcending party lines, calling it a “fight for the soul and the future of the country.” (03:54)

3. Anti-Semitism on Both Sides

• Moskowitz’s Warning: Rep. Jared Moskowitz highlights an increasing tolerance of anti-Semitism in politics, not just related to Israel.
  • "The movement has embraced a lot of anti-Semites... some of the people coming here have a history of anti-Semitism having nothing to do with Israel." – Jared Moskowitz (05:25)
• Lawler’s Response: Lawler underscores his own efforts, including bipartisan resolutions with Rep. Gottheimer, to denounce anti-Semitism both on the left and within his own party.
  • "I have no problem calling out antisemitism wherever it rears its head. It's vile and it has no place in our politics, let alone society." – Mike Lawler (06:05)
• Wider Concerns: He frames radical leftism as encompassing not just anti-Semitism, but also broader “hatred of America, Western democracy, and capitalism.” (06:05)

4. Lawler Defends His Record and Rebuts Opponent’s Attacks

• Accusation of Supporting Trump: Kilmeade asks Lawler to address Kate Connelly’s claim that he’s given Donald Trump a “blank check.”
  • "I'm the one who fought back against the president directly on the issue of SALT... passed the largest tax cut in American history." – Mike Lawler (09:22)
• Rebutting 'Arsonist' Allegation: Connelly paints Lawler as “the guy who starts the fire and then wants credit for calling the fire department.”
  • "No. In fact, I'm one of the most bipartisan and effective members of Congress precisely because I actually try to solve problems, regardless of who started it... She has offered no solutions to anything." – Mike Lawler (10:54)
• Policy Substance: Lawler outlines his legislative initiatives on tax cuts, affordable housing, and energy policy. He accuses Connelly of lacking both solutions and an understanding of key affordability issues facing New Yorkers.

5. New York/California as Examples of 'Big Government Failure'

• Tax and Cost of Living: Lawler and Kilmeade highlight high taxes and utility rates in blue states, blaming state and local Democratic policies.
  • "They tax people to death in California and New York... the reason California has the highest gas prices anywhere... is because all the excise taxes they add onto it." – Mike Lawler (13:24)
• Governor Hochul Critique: Lawler calls Governor Kathy Hochul “feckless, incompetent” and accuses her of capitulating to socialists.
  • "She has kowtowed to the socialists... They have turned over the legislative agenda to them." – Mike Lawler (14:15)

6. National Stakes and Congressional Control

• Importance of Lawler’s Seat: Kilmeade asserts that if Lawler loses, Republican control of the House is all but lost.
  • "If you lose your seat, Republicans have no shot of keeping the House." – Brian Kilmeade (14:56)
• Lawler’s Campaign Message: The Congressman positions himself as a bipartisan problem solver essential to maintaining balance and addressing real issues in his district.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• On socialism’s rise in NY:

  • "They were taken out by radical socialists, many of whom espouse anti-American viewpoints." – Mike Lawler (01:46)

• On Democrats’ reluctance to denounce socialism:

  • "You have to be willing to push back. This is a fight for the soul and the future of the country. This is almost beyond Republican versus Democrat." – Mike Lawler (03:54)

• On anti-Semitism across party lines:

  • "I have no problem calling out antisemitism wherever it rears its head. It's vile and it has no place in our politics, let alone society." – Mike Lawler (06:05)

• On his own bipartisan record:

  • "I'm one of the most bipartisan and effective members of Congress precisely because I actually try to solve problems, regardless of who started it or who created it." – Mike Lawler (10:54)

• On affordability in New York:

  • "New Yorkers are leaving in droves because they can't afford to live here. You want to address the issue of affordability? Start reining in the size and scope of government in New York." – Mike Lawler (11:46)

• On Governor Hochul’s leadership:

  • "Kathy Hochul is the most feckless, incompetent governor in America... She has kowtowed to the socialists in the same way Jefferies and Schumer have." – Mike Lawler (14:15)

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Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Democratic Primary Fallout & Socialism in NY: 01:00 – 05:16
• Anti-Semitism in US Politics: 05:16 – 07:33
• Defending Legislative Record & Responding to Opponent: 09:01 – 13:51
• Debate Over High Taxes and State Policy: 13:08 – 14:56
• Closing Thoughts on Congressional Stakes: 14:56 – 15:24

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Tone & Style

The conversation is lively, combative, and unapologetically partisan, with Lawler energetic and assertive in rebutting attacks, highlighting policy differences, and expressing grave concerns over the Democratic Party’s trajectory in New York. Kilmeade peppers the interview with pointed questions and commentary, supporting Lawler while maintaining a brisk radio pace.

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This episode is essential listening for those interested in the future of New York politics, the national stakes of battleground House races, and the intensifying debate over the Democratic Party’s identity.

Transcript

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[Mike Lawler]

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[Brian Kilmeade]

Dems are in a civil war and New York's primary results are just the latest proof. The socialists know it and it's time for the progressives to admit it. The socialists say it's their party, Progressives says it's not. But why don't you say it to them? Congressman Mike Lawler joins us now. Congressman, I never expected Hakeem Jeffries to lose in those three seats, and I guess two of which he went to bat for Nancy Pelosi went to bat for Dan Goldman. Dan Goldman is as tough on Donald Trump as Jamie Raskin and Adam Schiff. So please don't tell me that he was too moderate. You know, it's not. He's not Tom Suozzi, who is a moderate. I think a moderate. I think you do too. So that would be different if he lost to a moderate. I go, the party's changed, but this guy has already left. How do you interpret this? Not only your opponent, I'll get to that. But as somebody who knows New York

[Mike Lawler]

politics, look, there's no question that the socialists had a very big night. They picked up three congressional seats and over half a dozen state legislative seats underneath. That's not really been focused on because of the big three, but they are on the march and Mamdani is leading the charge. And frankly, Jefferies and Schumer look pathetic and weak. And to your point, Brian, Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat are hardcore progressives. They are far left. They are not centrist. They're not moderate. They never have been. But they were taken out by radical socialists, many of whom espouse anti American viewpoints. And sadly for the Democrats, and sadly for America, this is becoming the mainstream of the Democratic Party. When you look at Graham Platner, when you look at, you know, out in New Jersey, you know, a defense witness for the bomber in the World Trade center in 1993, I mean, it's crazy. The people that they are nominating for public office for Congress for the United States House of Representatives, and this is what they're putting forward.

[Brian Kilmeade]

So here is Senator. Senator Lisa Blunt, Rochester. It's a Delaware senator, Democrat. This is how they're trying to handle this. Cut 11.

[Mike Lawler]

Where has socialism ever worked, Senator, is that another question or is that for the next interview? That's a.

[Jay Shetty]

That's.

[Mike Lawler]

Oh, that's definitely for you. You said fish. Fish doesn't work everywhere. I just want to know one place where socialism has.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Has been.

[Mike Lawler]

Been beneficial.

[Brian Kilmeade]

Well, when you have me, when you

[Mike Lawler]

have me come back on, we can talk about all the races. That's your answer right here.

[Brian Kilmeade]

That's cnbc. They tried to just say it doesn't work. It's not what I believe. Right? Just say, well, I'm a capitalist and I want Medicare for something, but I'm not a socialist. Just what's so hard about that?

[Mike Lawler]

It shouldn't be that hard. I mean, frankly, one of the only people that has pushed back against this is Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey. But this is craziness. It's not that hard to say I don't support socialism and I don't agree with their perspective. You know, listen, I had no problem calling out Thomas Massie or Marjorie Taylor Greene when I disagreed with them on a policy. You have to be willing to push back. This is a fight for the soul and the future of the country. This is almost beyond Republican versus Democrat. You have crazy radical socialists that are seizing control of the Democratic Party. And Brian, they admit they're not even really Democrats. They're just using the Democratic Party as the vehicle. And so you have Hakeem Jeffries, who effectively lost control. He cut a deal with Mamdani to protect himself so that Chi O say would not run against him in a primary, but basically threw everybody under the bus as sacrificial lambs from Espayat to Goldman. And it's just, it's frankly, it's embarrassing what has become of the Democratic Party, especially in New York, where Zoran Mamdani and AOC are leading the Charge.

[Brian Kilmeade]

Yeah. So for you, I think just Jared Moskowitz, who's in Florida, but says the other thing besides socialism is anti Semitism. Cut 16.

[Jared Moskowitz]

If they want to have a policy debate, right. We can have that policy debate. Like, I'm all for debating policies, and people don't have to agree with me on policies. They can have different positions. Right. And the voters get to make. The voters get to make those choices. But for me, what's going on is the movement has embraced a lot of anti Semites, and some of the people coming here have a history of anti Semitism having nothing to do with. With Israel.

[Brian Kilmeade]

So that's one other thing. You have to point that out, too. Even though you guys on the Republican Party, you also have the podcast platform who tends to be right. Some have resigned from the Republican Party. There have been anti Israel leaning towards anti Semitism too. Mike. Oh, no question.

[Mike Lawler]

And Brian, I've called it out. I mean, Josh gottheimer and I put forward a resolution condemning Hasan Piker and Candace Owens calling out Tucker Carlson. I have no problem calling out antisemitism wherever it rears its head. It's vile and it has no place in our politics, let alone society. And unfortunately, what we're seeing, though, is, especially on the left, they are electing and supporting candidates that are openly anti Semitic. You saw in the primary against Thomas Massie, he was defeated despite trying to make it all about Israel and Jews. And so to me, both parties need to not only police this, but really ensure that these crazy, radical anti Semitic Semites are not being elected to public office. But look, this is bigger than that. In many respects. It's not just antisemitism or Jew hatred. It is a hatred of America. It is a hatred of Western democracy. It is a hatred of capitalism. You know, they dabble in Marxist theory and the oppressed versus the oppressor. And that's what this is rooted in. And they fundamentally are trying to, you know, reshape America and American democracy and our constitutional republic.

[Brian Kilmeade]

In a way, it's a blessing for a guy like you. In a way, it's a blessing because you're in a battleground district and it's. So you have to be able to define people and say the difference, because people in battleground district know being extreme left to right is probably not going to be successful. You and Brian Fitzpatrick are examples of that. So. But until further notice, that is the left.

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[Brian Kilmeade]

is now Kate Connelly on Ms. Now where where anyone would feel comfortable who believes what he believes. Cut 27.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This administration, what it's done, it has been very clear. It does not care about working class families, does not care about the problems they are facing. And instead of fighting for those people, instead of fighting for families, Mike Lawler has given Donald Trump a blank check. Where you have families unable to even balance their checkbook.

[Brian Kilmeade]

Have you given Donald Trump a blank check?

[Mike Lawler]

No. And in fact, I'm the one who fought back against the president directly on the issue of salt. I'm the one that fought to pass the largest tax cut in American history, putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers, especially in my district. Lifting the cap on salt from 10,000 to 40,000 produced some of the largest tax refunds people have ever seen, between five thousand and twenty thousand dollars on average. Because we actually passed legislation that matters. It's why I led the effort on housing and why we've passed a bipartisan housing bill to actually increase supply, reduce costs and create greater access to capital. You know, Kate can't disagree with anything that these folks say. She wants to ban ice, she wants to raise taxes and increase federal spending. She wants open borders. You know, she is no different than the rest of them. She just doesn't call herself a socialist.

[Brian Kilmeade]

She went at you again. Cut 25.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mike Lawler is a very skilled communicator because he spent the last 20 years as a political operative and political hack where I've spent the last 20 years leading America's sons and daughters in defense of this nation. Mike Lawler wants to get credit for doing things. You know, he's the guy who starts the fire and then wants credit for calling the fire department when really he is an arsonist.

[Brian Kilmeade]

Are you an arsonist?

[Mike Lawler]

No. In fact, I'm one of the most bipartisan and effective members of Congress precisely because I actually try to solve problems, regardless of who started it or who created it. Look, I respect her service, but that alone is not means by which she's qualified to be a member of Congress. And she has offered no solutions to anything. And, in fact, the thing she does talk about, she says she wants to ban stock trading. I'm one of the leads on the bill to do that. You know, she wants term limits. I support that. I've been one of the leads on a bill to do that. So the things she's talking about that she's claiming somehow she's going to effectuate change on, we agree on. But the reality is the stuff that matters to hardworking New Yorkers, the cost of living. She doesn't want to increase domestic production of energy. I'm calling for Indian Point to be rebuilt and reopened. I'm calling for natural gas pipelines to be built. I'm calling for natural gas extraction in New York to be permitted. The fact is, utility rates are up 58% in New York precisely because she supports Kathy Hochul's disastrous policies of shutting down nuclear power plants and blocking natural gas. So, you know, you look at the issue of affordability, let's talk affordability. Let's talk about the fact that New York has a $277 billion budget, up $20 billion in one year, and she said nothing about it. Meanwhile, New Yorkers are leaving in droves because they can't afford to live here. You want to address the issue of affordability? Start reining in the size and scope of government in New York. That's what we've been doing in Washington, right? Sizing the federal budget, starting to rein in the excesses and make it easier for people to afford where they live. The stock market is hitting record highs. Interest rates are coming down. Oil prices are dropping precipitously as the Strait of Hormuz reopens. You know, Democrats have done nothing to address any of these issues. All they do is yell and scream that they hate Donald Trump.

[Brian Kilmeade]

I worry that the blue states are going to keep taxes high to keep gas high, to give the perception that the gas is not going down. I mean, I went to California to watch, to cover the U.S. national team. Gas is like $7. I mean, even when it comes down, because there's so many taxes put into the gallon.

[Mike Lawler]

They tax people to death in California and New York. And I had this debate with Maxine Waters just A few weeks ago in the Financial Services Committee, she was screaming about gas prices. And I pointed out that the reason California has the highest gas prices anywhere in the country is because all the excise taxes they add onto it on top of your traditional, you know, highway tax.

[Brian Kilmeade]

Congressman, can you. Do you think Kathy Hogle's got to make a decision here? She's scared to death of him. I'm talking about Mom Dhame. She doesn't run as a socialist, but Bruce Blakeman's got an opportunity here to define her. She's got to decide. Either you leave Mondami or you make yourself a socialist and run ASMR to keep your governor's seat.

[Mike Lawler]

Kathy Hochul is the most feckless, incompetent governor in America. She has run the state into the ground, and she has kowtowed to the socialists in the same way Jefferies and Schumer have. I mean, they're petrified of Zoran Mamdani and aoc. They have turned over the legislative agenda to them. They refuse to negotiate in good faith on anything. They've shut the government down for months on end, all to appease these crazy radical socialists. And, you know, unfortunately, Kathy Hochul does not have the spine nor the intelligence to actually push back against this insanity.

[Brian Kilmeade]

Congressman, if you lose the. If you lose your seat, Republicans have no shot of keeping the House. And I think they realize that. And you're a really good campaigner, and you are an impactful congressman. You people don't have to look hard to see your record. You're not sneaking out or disappearing for months on end like the guy in New Jersey. You're always in the fight. Always appreciate having you on. You do a consequential job. Congressman Mike Lower. Thanks so much.

[Mike Lawler]

Thanks, Brian. Appreciate it.

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