Montebello Deputy Mayor Stacy Caridi, a Democrat, has crossed party lines to endorse Republican Congressman Mike Lawler for reelection in New York’s 17th Congressional District, saying she is “putting my community ahead of my party.”

Caridi, who has known Lawler since his time representing the area in the New York State Assembly, announced her endorsement in a video released Monday.

“I’m a Democrat, and I’m voting for Mike Lawler,” Caridi said. “I’ve known Mike since he was our Assemblyman. He grew up in Rockland and graduated from Suffern High School. He owns a home here and pays taxes here and is raising his kids here. No one knows this community better than Mike does, and he delivers.”

Caridi cited Lawler’s work securing federal funding for Rockland County, particularly $5 million for pedestrian safety improvements in the Town of Ramapo. The funding is designated for improvements including traffic signals, turning lanes, walking paths and sidewalks. Federal records confirm the $5 million allocation for Ramapo.

Caridi also pointed to Lawler’s positions on Israel and antisemitism as a major reason for her endorsement.

“Mike stands with Israel, and he stands up to antisemitism. He calls it out when it comes from the right, and he calls it out when it comes from the left,” Caridi said. “I’m putting my community ahead of my party and supporting a candidate who works for all of us.”

Lawler welcomed the endorsement, saying he has known Caridi since his time in the Assembly and praising her work on behalf of Montebello.

“Safer streets for families in Ramapo and its villages were worth fighting for in Washington, and I’m proud we secured that funding,” Lawler said. “Stacy judges people by their work, regardless of party, and her support means a great deal to me.”

Caridi is the latest Democratic local official to endorse Lawler, following New Castle Town Councilwoman Ally Chemtob, who backed him in September.