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Vescio, who has never registered with a political party, cites Lawler’s fight to raise the SALT cap to $40,000 and a congressman who keeps showing up in Briarcliff Manor.
Pearl River, NY — October 5, 2026 — Briarcliff Manor Mayor Steve Vescio, a lifelong unaffiliated voter now in his eighth year leading the village, endorsed Congressman Mike Lawler for reelection today in a new video. “I’m not a Republican, Democrat, or an independent. In fact, I’ve been an unaffiliated voter my entire life,” said Vescio, a former volunteer fire captain and EMT.
“Being an elected official shouldn’t be a partisan job. And here in Briarcliff, all board members run for office in a nonpartisan process, a 100-year tradition,” Vescio said. “The goal is to find the best people for the role who can produce results and get things done for their constituents, no matter the political party. I apply that test to anyone who asks for my support. And Mike Lawler has earned it. He works hard for our district and delivers results.”
Vescio pointed first to Lawler’s fight over the state and local tax deduction. “Mike fought hard to raise the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000, taking on some members of his own party, and he won. That’s real money back in residents’ pockets,” he said. Lawler held the line on the $40,000 figure through the 2025 tax negotiations, warning in June of that year that any Senate change to the number would “derail final passage of the bill.” The higher cap became law that July.
Vescio also credited Lawler’s work across the aisle. “Mike works with anyone who will help him deliver regardless of their party,” Vescio said. This summer the nonpartisan Bridge Grades report scored Lawler 99.2 out of 100, a mark topped by only five of the 424 House members graded and the best in New York’s delegation.
“And Mike’s from here. He grew up in Suffern, lives in Pearl River, and spent time all over the district. He shows up, listens, and understands constituent concerns,” Vescio said. “The best candidates understand the area and the people they serve. They’re ready to ride without training wheels. And Mike is that candidate.”
Vescio said Lawler knows Briarcliff Manor’s events and traditions and comes to its community day. He also described Lawler’s support for rebuilding Route 9A, the state highway through the village that Vescio has pushed to modernize for years and has said “has remained essentially the same for nearly 95 years.” “Mike attended New York State DOT meetings held in the village to support the badly needed improvements to Route 9A, a major capital project that will likely require federal dollars,” Vescio said. “He’s the candidate who knows about our local needs.”
“I don’t care what party a candidate is registered for. I care about a candidate who shows up and delivers for the people they represent. I care about those willing to stand up against their own party to do what is right, not just repeat party talking points,” Vescio said. “And that’s Mike Lawler. He shows up, he works hard, and he delivers for all of us. And that’s why Mike Lawler has my support and my vote on November 3rd. And I hope he has yours, too.”
“Steve has given his whole life to Briarcliff Manor, first as a volunteer firefighter and EMT and now as mayor, and he has never needed a party label to do it,” said Congressman Mike Lawler. “That’s how I try to do this job. Whether it’s winning SALT relief for Westchester families or pushing for a safer Route 9A, the work is about the people who live here. I’m proud to have Steve’s support and grateful for his partnership.”
Vescio joins a growing list of local officials from outside the Republican Party backing Lawler’s reelection, including Democrats Ally Chemtob, a New Castle town councilwoman, and Stacy Caridi, the deputy mayor of Montebello.