New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler acknowledged that he darkened his face as part of a Michael Jackson costume, which he called an “homage”, after The New York Times reported that he wore blackface as a college student in 2006.

New York Rep. Mike Lawler is locked in a competitive race against Mondaire Jones in one of the House contests considered key to party control of the chamber.

Washington — Rep. Mike Lawler, a New York Republican in a tight race for reelection, apologized for wearing blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume when he was in college.