Earlier this week, Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., a self-described moderate Republican eyeing New York’s governorship, faced a hostile crowd and witnessed firsthand how the public is souring on the Trump administration.

On Sunday, Lawler held the first of his series of in-person town halls. Though the representative has held call-in, virtual town halls previously, attendees who attempted to ask questions said that they were heavily screened and not representative of sentiment in the district.

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I had attempted to register for the event well ahead of time. However, without an in-district address, I couldn’t do so online. At the same time, no one picked up the phone when I called each of Lawler’s three offices to attempt to register or seek admission as a member of the press.

Showing up to the event at Clarkstown South High School in West Nyack, a hamlet situated in Rockland County, I was denied entry by Lawler’s staff, who were even checking to ensure that those who successfully registered could provide proof they lived in the district. One teacher at the high school was asked to provide a utility bill with her name and address because she had left her driver’s license at home.

Speaking outside the high school where the event took place, many constituents who had come out told Salon that they were unhappy with Lawler. Even among those who did approve, many were concerned about his relationship with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Vincent Solar said he had voted for Lawler in 2024, when the lawmaker successfully pitched himself as a moderate, winning re-election over former Rep. Mondair Jones, D-N.Y., by about six points. He was at the town hall, he said, to see if the representative was “talking out of both sides of his mouth” and “to see if he represents........

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