Lawler is one of several Republicans who flipped traditionally Democratic New York districts in 2022.
The 17th District contains the northern part of wealthy Westchester County and extends north and west to include suburban Rockland County and the Hudson Valley's Putnam County.
He defeated former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones, who lost his seat after redistricting in 2022.
The contentious race was too close to be called on Tuesday night with the final results being revealed around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Other House races in the Hudson Valley:
In the 18th district, ABC News projected incumbent Democrat Pat Ryan won reelection to U.S. House in New York's 18th Congressional District.
Ryan is a former Ulster County executive and military veteran.
He defeated Republican Alison Esposito, a former NYPD deputy inspector who ran for lieutenant governor in 2022.
In the 19th district, ABC News projected Democrat Josh Riley to win over incumbent Republican Marc Molinaro.
The race was also a rematch. In 2022, Molinaro beat Riley by a slim margin.
For election updates, please visit abc7ny.com/vote2024.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Follow us on YouTube
* More local news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts