Republican Rep. Mike Lawler stood on a Yorktown stage Sunday as he held the second Town Hall of the year.

Both Lawler and the audience members knew that the political stakes are high.

"We are very present. I have done close to 2,000 events in districts over these last three-plus years, from public events to meetings with thousands of constituents," Lawler said.

Lawler is seeking re-election in New York state's 17th Congressional District.

He fielded questions on hot button issues, which included rising oil and gas prices and the current war in Iran.

"The strikes the U.S. engaged in is targeted to their military capabilities. We've been strategic on that front with the bombing of Kharg Island, which, from the standpoint of their oil trade, which is vital."

There are two more town halls planned by the end of the year.

Audience questions centered on divisive issues, including Lawler's support for rebuilding and reopening the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, Westchester County.

"When you're not generating the power here, that means you have to get it from someplace else. We're importing it from other states, and your delivery costs go up," he said.

With a line of protestors outside, Lawler continued to make his case inside before a relatively quiet audience.

One woman's question about the release of information in the Epstein files, which Lawler voted for, drew a loud applause.

"Anybody who committed a crime, anybody who acted in furtherance of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes should be prosecuted. Anybody who sexually exploited a child or a woman, or who was somehow involved should be prosecuted. I've said that for years. What was unfortunate was that many of my Democratic colleagues never said a word about any of this for five years," Lawler answered.

Staff members told News 12 that dates and locations for Lawler's remaining Town Hall meetings will be announced to the public in the near future.