Rep. Mike Lawler
On September 13, 2024, U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Don Bacon (NE-2) launched a bipartisan “Unity Commitment” which commits Members to respecting the results of the 2024 presidential election, attending the inauguration, and serving as a voice for calm, regardless of who wins.
The “Unity Commitment” builds on previous efforts from 2021 when Representatives Gottheimer, Bacon, and Members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus released Principles on Elections and the Electoral College.
The full “Unity Commitment” can be found here, which 32 members have signed. The signatory list of thirty-two bipartisan Members of Congress includes Representatives Lawler (NY-17), Gottheimer (NJ-05), Bacon (NE-02), Carbajal (CA-24), Case (HI-01), Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Costa (CA-21), Craig (MN-02), Davis (NC-01), D’Esposito (NY-04), Dingell (MI-06), Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Golden (ME-02), Gonzalez (TX-34), Houlahan (PA-06), LaLota (NY-01), Landsman (OH-01), Lee (NV-03), Manning (NC-06), Moskowitz (FL-23), Mrvan (IN-01), Nickel (NC-13), Norcross (NJ-01), Pappas (NH-01), Peters (CA-50), Pettersen (CO-07), Scholten (MI-03), Slotkin (MI-07), Spanberger (VA-07), Stevens (MI-11), Suozzi (NY-03), and Torres (NY-15).
“In our country, we hash out our ideas at the ballot box and then come together to govern once all votes are counted,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “As the leader of the free world, we must continue to lead by example at home by respecting the will of the people. I’m proud to join alongside colleagues in both parties to reiterate this fundamental commitment that lies at the heart of our democracy.”
“It’s a solemn honor to lead the ‘Unity Commitment’ with my friends and colleague, Congressman Bacon. Respect for our democracy, the greatest democracy in the entire world, cannot — and should not — be a partisan issue. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have a responsibility to demonstrate true leadership ahead of this critical election and serve as a voice for calm,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “Our ‘Unity Commitment’ offers a framework for Members to work together and communicate their respect for the electoral process, regardless of who wins. We all swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution — and that begins with defending the integrity of our elections.”
“In America we respect election results especially once the courts and appeals work through the process,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). “We fight hard to win during campaigns and then respect the results when the votes are counted. We are the greatest country in the world, and we are governed by the rule of law. The citizens are sovereign, and they decide.”
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.
