State committee
senator Cory booker 1
Two Jersey Boys, Fighting for the People
Some bonds run deeper than state lines. Senator Cory Booker and I are both proud sons of New Jersey, but today I’m honored to be fighting for the people of Pennsylvania as a candidate for State Committee.
I had the pleasure of spending time with Cory at a State Committee luncheon, and his energy and authenticity were everything you’d expect from a man who has dedicated his life to public service. If you haven’t seen his documentary Street Fight, it is hands down one of the most honest and compelling portraits of grassroots politics ever captured on film.
Jersey made us. Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party drives us forward.
Bill Clinton
The Day Bill Clinton Stopped for Me
There’s an unwritten rule in photography: the photographer is never in the picture. You’re there to capture the moment, not be part of it. You stay behind the lens. Always. That day, I was working as the campaign photographer for John Callahan. My job was to document his story. And then something happened that I’ve never forgotten.
Bill Clinton walked back through the door.He looked at John and said, simply, ” John take Mike camera and take Mikes picture.”He meant me.
In all my years behind the camera at rallies, at fundraisers, in rooms where history was being made no one had ever done that. Not once. The photographer doesn’t get the moment. That’s the deal we make.
Bill Clinton broke that deal. And in doing so, he reminded me why this work matters. It wasn’t about politics that day. It was about a man with every reason to keep moving who chose instead to see the person in the room that everyone else looks past. That’s the kind of leadership that stays with you. That’s the type of leader I try to be.
Govenor Shapiro
As a former Office Manager 06-14 for the Lehigh County Democratic Party, training and empowering our Precinct Captain leaders has always been close to my heart. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when Attorney General, and soon-to-be Governor, Josh Shapiro showed up and electrified the room.
This moment captured everything I believe about Democratic organizing: when you invest in your people at the grassroots level, great leaders show up to meet them.
Northampton County is ready. Pennsylvania is ready.
Honoring a Legend — Congresswoman Susan Wild
It was one of the greatest honors of my career to present this award to Congresswoman Susan Wild on behalf of the Easton Democrats. Simply put — she is the hardest working, most dedicated representative the Lehigh Valley has ever seen.
Susan Wild didn’t just show up for us — she fought for us. Every single day. And this moment of recognition, though small compared to everything she has given, was our way of saying thank you from the heart of Easton.
The Lehigh Valley doesn’t forget who was in their corner. Congresswoman Wild always was.
100 Black Men recognition
Humor & Heart: “Called back as one of the founders of 100 Black Men to receive an award yes, that’s me in full bowtie era glory, and no, I have absolutely no regrets. Doesn’t everyone go through that phase? Years later I’d return to take the new freshman class to see Black Panther, thinking I was just a mentor showing up for the next generation. That’s when I heard it for the first time ‘OG.’ They kept referencing this OG in their speeches and I’m looking around the room wondering who this important OG person is… only to slowly realize they meant me. Brothers, you got me. Completely. Thank you for the honor, the laughter, and for reminding me that legacy has a sense of humor.”
Honoring to be in harrisburg
Community Pride: “Proud doesn’t begin to describe this moment. Commissioner David Jones, my Pastor, my closest friend, and one of the finest human beings I know, served as Honorary Chaplain for the Pennsylvania Senate at the Capitol in Harrisburg. The Lehigh Valley sent one of its best to those chambers that day. I was just blessed enough to be there to witness it.”
Lisa Blunt Rochester
You know I’m always behind the camera — but when Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester comes to the Lehigh Valley, even the photographer has to step out and be present! Honored to speak at this special event in Whitehall and even more honored to grab this rare photo. She brought the energy and our community felt every bit of it.
Keith Ellison
“I’ve made a career of staying invisible. Keith Ellison wouldn’t allow it. Minnesota’s Attorney General pulled me into this photo and reminded me that authentic leaders see everyone in the room. Capturing his journey has been one of the genuine honors of my career.”
Let’s make something amazing together
Location
Bethlehem PA
Phone
(255) 905 7587
michaelhlaws@gmail.com