Nassau PBA and city firefighters’ union back Suozzi in his LiPetri rematch
Two uniformed unions endorsed the Democrat in the 3rd District, which spans parts of Queens, as a Trump-aligned super PAC puts close to $8 million behind his opponent.
Rep. Tom Suozzi, the Long Island Democrat running for re-election in the 3rd Congressional District, has been endorsed by the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association and by the Uniformed Firefighters Association, which represents New York City firefighters.
The district spans sections of Queens along with Nassau and Suffolk counties. For the second time in a row, Suozzi faces Republican Mike LiPetri, a former state assemblyman, whom he beat by 3 percentage points in 2024.
What the police and firefighter unions said about Suozzi
Nassau PBA president Tom Shevlin said the union also endorsed Suozzi two years ago. He credited the congressman with working with both parties and with rejecting the movement to defund the police in speeches on the House floor. Shevlin said the union backs candidates who support officers, even when that means breaking with their own party.
UFA president Bobby Eustace called Suozzi a “common sense” congressman who “works across the aisle to do what’s best for his constituents.” Suozzi said he was proud to have the PBA’s endorsement again and had spent his career making sure officers have the resources they need. He said officers know where he stands while his opponent misrepresents his record.
Super PAC spending in the 3rd District race
Republicans want the seat and are casting Suozzi as weak on public safety while linking him with his party’s left wing. Close to $8 million is flowing to LiPetri’s side from No Going Back PAC, a super PAC aligned with Trump. Over the past few weeks, the group has put $5.7 million into television advertising, plus $2 million for mail pieces that praise LiPetri and go after Suozzi.
Before Congress, Suozzi led Nassau County as county executive, and this is his second time holding the House seat. In 2022 he left it to seek the governorship, losing the Democratic primary to Gov. Kathy Hochul. He won it back in a February 2024 special election after Republican George Santos was expelled from the House, then defeated LiPetri that November. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is the Republican nominee for governor against Hochul. He is seen as a strong candidate heading the Republican ballot, which could give LiPetri a lift.
Quick answers
Which areas are in New York's 3rd Congressional District?
It spans sections of Queens and of Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island.
Who is running against Tom Suozzi?
Republican Mike LiPetri, a former state assemblyman whom Suozzi defeated by 3 percentage points in 2024.
How much is the super PAC spending against Suozzi?
No Going Back PAC is putting close to $8 million behind LiPetri: $5.7 million for TV advertising and $2 million for mail pieces.
