Receives an Endorsement from Trump
By Hank Russell
It’s 2024 all over again in the Third Congressional District as former New York State Assemblyman Mike LiPetri, a Republican, takes on incumbent Democrat Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove).
“IT’S OFFICIAL: I’m running for Congress to deliver a safer, more affordable America for the residents of NY-03! It’s time for next generation, common sense Americans to have a voice in Washington and I’m stepping up! .” LiPetri posted on X.
His major issues, according to his campaign website, include supporting law enforcement, making Long Island affordable, securing the border, supporting Israel, healthcare reform, keeping biological males out of girls’ and women’s sports and protecting Long Island’s water quality and environment.
This is LiPetri’s third run for Congress. He lost to Suozzi two years ago and, in 2022, lost in the GOP primary to Amdrew Garbarino (R-Bayport).
“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,” said LiPetri. “Flipping this seat and stopping the Mamdani Madness and lawlessness from spreading to Long Island is critical.”
LiPetri has earned numerous endorsements and early support from Republican leadership. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social his endorsement of LiPetri. “It is my Great Honor to endorse MAGA Warrior, Mike LiPetri, who is running to represent the fantastic people of New York’s 3rd Congressional District against a Congressman who has proven to be a Radical Left Lunatic, who wants Open Borders, Men playing in Women’s Sports, Transgender for Everyone, Defund the Police, and your Guns, forget about them, he wants to take them away — He is against the Second Amendment. His name is Tom Suozzi, and he voted against the Biggest Tax Cut in the History of our Country, including SALT!”
Citing a New York Post article, Trump said Suozzi “scandalously made a lot of money playing with Stocks” by “using Insider Information that only a Congressman would have … This is not what New York’s 3rd Congressional District wants. Frankly, he should be banned from Congress, not running for it!”
Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman, Joseph G. Cairo, Jr., who in announcing the Nassau GOP’s backing of LiPetri said, “Mike is a proven vote-getter who has the talent and energy needed to flip this seat. His common-sense approach to solving our affordability crisis and tackling crime head-on is exactly what the voters of NY-03 deserve.”
Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for governor Bruce Blakeman also endorsed LiPetri, saying, “Mike is one of us — he stands for our values, our principles, and is 100% committed to supporting law enforcement and lowering costs for hardworking New York taxpayers.”
“Nassau’s North Shore deserves better than a self-serving career politician who’s out of touch with the needs of the people he represents. Tom Suozzi has lined his own pockets while making life less affordable for Long Islanders,” added Republican National Committee spokesperson Kristen Cianci. “He voted against raising the SALT cap, voted for the longest government shutdown in American history, and openly championed higher taxes. The writing is on the wall, and Suozzi has a fight ahead of him to retain this seat.”
On Capitol Hill, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota) was quick to endorse LiPetri, indicating the national significance this congressional district plays in the House GOP’s attempt to hold and grow their critical majority.
“Mike LiPetri is exactly the type of fighter we need to take this seat back and deliver commonsense results for New Yorkers,” Emmer said. “Mike has my full endorsement, and I look forward to sending Tom Suozzi back into lobbying.”
National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole said, “Two-Face Tom Suozzi has been failing Long Island families for nearly 30 years. While Suozzi has gotten richer, his constituents have gotten higher taxes and higher crime. Voters are done with his self-serving ways and are ready to elect a proven fighter like Mike LiPetri to stand up for them.”
Trump echoed O’Toole’s sentiments. “As your next Congressman, Mike will fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Support our Military, Veterans, and Police, Defend our always under siege Second Amendment, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Trump posted. “Mike LiPetri has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from New York’s 3rd Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to the New York State Democratic Committee for comment, but did not hear back as of press time.