ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) 鈥� U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler said he was sorry Thursday after the New York Times obtained photos of him wearing blackface about two decades ago at a college Halloween costume party where he dressed as Michael Jackson.

The images emerged as Lawler, a first-term Republican, is locked in a competitive reelection fight for his congressional seat in New York's Hudson Valley.

In a statement provided to The Associated Press, Lawler described himself as a lifelong Jackson superfan who was attempting to pay homage to the pop star.

鈥淲hen attempting to imitate Michael鈥檚 legendary dance moves at a college Halloween party eighteen years ago, the ugly practice of black face was the furthest thing from my mind. Let me be clear, this is not that,鈥� he said, adding that the costume was intended as 鈥渁 genuine homage to one of my childhood idols.鈥�

鈥淚 am a student of history and for anyone who takes offense to the photo, I am sorry,鈥� Lawler said. "All you can do is live and learn, and I appreciate everyone鈥檚 grace along the way.鈥�

The Times reported that the photo was taken in 2006 when Lawler was 20.

Lawler is in a tough race against Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mondaire Jones, who is Black.

took hold in New York City in the 1830s and became popular among post-Civil War whites, though it was regarded as offensive to Black people from the beginning of its use.

Several politicians and celebrities have been criticized for wearing blackface.