New York Republican once dressed as Michael Jackson in blackface for Halloween in bombshell that could shake up election

New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler dressed in blackface while impersonating his musical idol Michael Jackson decades ago.

A bombshell new picture on Facebook that was recently resurfaced could spell trouble for the Republican who is locked in a tight reelection race.

The GOP lawmaker did not deny that he darkened his face for the ensemble worn as a part of a Halloween costume in 2006. 

'The ugly practice of blackface was the furthest thing from my mind,' Lawler told DailyMail.com in a statement. 'Let me be clear, this is not that.' 

Lawler, a lifelong super-fan of Jackson, can be seen striking a dramatic pose while donning a black shirt and red 'Thriller' jacket in a picture first reported by The New York Times. 

His face is also obviously darkened, giving him a light brown sheen while his white hands and neck stand in stark contrast. 

He admitted he borrowed bronzer from a female classmate to finalize his look.

Lawler, 38, has represented New York's 17th Congressional District since 2023 and has been a rising star within the House Republican caucus. 

He said his megafandom is to blame. 

'As has been well-documented ... I was a so-called 'Super Fan' of Michael Jackson, so much so that I was mentioned by name in his biography for my outspoken support of him and the Jackson Family,' Lawler told DailyMail.com.  

He appeared to be referencing the biography 'Michael Jackson: The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story' by J. Randy Taraborrelli, in which the Republican is mentioned.

While in high school a younger Lawler traveled to California to attend portions of Jackson's criminal trial where he was charged with molesting a young boy. 

Lawler got into the courtroom with the help of the writer and eventually the future lawmaker was removed from the courtroom after muttering 'something derogatory under his breath,' according to the book. 

 'I loved Michael's music, was awed by him as a performer, and by his impact on pop culture. One of my greatest memories is attending his concert at MSG before his untimely death,' The Republican's statement continued. 

'When attempting to imitate Michael's legendary dance moves at a college Halloween party eighteen years ago, the ugly practice of black face was the furthest thing from my mind. Let me be clear, this is not that.'

'Rather, my costume was intended as the sincerest form of flattery, a genuine homage to one of my childhood idols since I was a little kid trying to moonwalk through my Mom's kitchen.'

The image was taken when Lawler was a 20-year-old at Manhattan College, according to The Times. Old classmates confirmed to the outlet that the images were real, some recalling having seen the photo posted to Facebook at the time. 

'I am a student of history and for anyone who takes offense to the photo, I am sorry. All you can do is live and learn, and I appreciate everyone's grace along the way,' his statement concluded.  

The images will likely prove to be politically perilous for the New Yorker.

Lawler is facing a tough reelection fight against former representative Mondaire Jones, a progressive who the Republican beat years ago. 

The swing-district, which sits just north of New York City, could split either way in the November election and could very well decide the narrowly divided House of Representatives. 

Currently, the House has 220 Republicans, 212 Democrats and three vacancies, meaning the GOP can only lose a handful of seats to maintain control. 

Recent polls indicate, however, that Lawler has a several point lead in the race over Jones.