Key unions representing police officers in Nassau County and firefighters in New York City are supporting Tom Suozzi, a Democratic Representative from Long Island, in his re-election campaign.
Both the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association and the NYC Uniformed Firefighters Association have thrown their endorsements behind Suozzi.
Suozzi is gearing up for a challenging rematch against Republican Mike LiPetri, who he narrowly defeated by just 3 percentage points in 2024. This rematch is set in New York’s Third House District, which includes parts of Nassau County, Queens, and Suffolk.
“We backed him two years ago, and he’s been doing a lot to work with both sides,” said Tom Shevlin, the president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association. “He supports law enforcement and consistently speaks out against the push to defund the police.”
Shevlin also emphasized that their support goes to candidates who stand by them, even if it means opposing their own party’s views.
Suozzi is welcoming the endorsements as he faces attacks from Republicans who are trying to label him as weak on crime and link him with the more extreme elements of the Democratic Party.
“I’m proud to have the Nassau County PBA’s endorsement again,” Suozzi said. “Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized supporting law enforcement and ensuring they have the resources needed for public safety.”
He added, “Even as my opponent distorts my record, the law enforcement community knows where I stand, and I’m honored to have their trust.”
The president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association praised Suozzi, calling him a “common sense” representative.
“After more than thirty years in public service, Tom has shown his ability to look beyond party lines and collaborate to serve his constituents,” said UFA president Bobby Eustace.
Meanwhile, Republicans are actively targeting Suozzi’s seat.
A Super PAC aligned with Donald Trump is investing nearly $8 million to support LiPetri, a former state assemblyman, in his campaign against Suozzi.
The No Going Back PAC has already purchased $5.7 million in television advertising over the past few weeks, along with an additional $2 million in mailings promoting LiPetri and criticizing Suozzi.
Suozzi, who has previously served as Nassau County executive, is currently in his second term in Congress.
He stepped away from his seat in 2022 to run for governor but lost to incumbent Kathy Hochul in the Democratic primary.
In February 2024, he returned to Congress after winning a special election, following the expulsion of former Republican Rep. George Santos. Suozzi then narrowly defeated LiPetri in November 2024.
Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, is the Republican candidate for governor and is expected to perform strongly against Hochul, which could potentially boost LiPetri’s chances as well.
