A New York Republican who nearly upset local Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in 2024 is seeking a rematch over his House seat, which takes in parts of Nassau County and Queens.
Former state Assemblyman Michael LiPetri, who lost to Suozzi by only 3.6 percentage points, announced his candidacy for the GOP nomination Tuesday.
He faces a potential primary but has the backing of the Nassau GOP machine on Long Island, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who will head the Republican ticket as the party’s candidate for governor.
LiPetri is embracing President Trump and the Trump record in his election bid.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans have delivered no tax on tips, social security, overtime, and we’ve raised the SALT tax cap directly helping hardworking New Yorkers,” LiPetri said.
He also is seeking to make the race a referendum on New York City’s Democratic Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“Flipping this seat and stopping the Mamdani Madness and lawlessness from spreading to Long Island is critical,” he said in a statement.
“If you want safe streets, more money in your pockets, and common sense over chaos, Vote Republican Mike LiPetri for Congress in November.”
Blakeman called LiPetri “one of us.
“He stands for our values, our principles and 100% committed to supporting law enforcement and lowering costs for hardworking taxpayers,” the Long Island leader said.
Suozzi’s campaign had no comment.
But the congressman has sought to distance himself from Mamdani, saying democratic socialists such as the mayor should leave the Democratic Party and form their own socialist party.
Suozzi backed Dem ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor.
LiPetri faces a predicted primary with lawyer Greg Hach, though he is expected to prevail with the party leadership, including Nassau GOP Chairman Joseph Cairo, behind him.
Hach thinks otherwise.
“I have already been endorsed by the major grassroots America-First groups in the NY-3 district, and with their help, I’ll make it on the ballot,” Hach said.
“I look forward to engaging in a healthy and robust competition of ideas and to defeating Taxman Tom Suozzi, who’s weighed down by the wealth he’s accumulated in Congress. We can do better.”
An analysis by the non-partisan Cook Political Report rates the race a “lean Democrat” win for Suozzi.
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