Police, Firefighter Unions Endorse Rep. Tom Suozzi in Re-election Bid

Key unions representing Nassau County police officers and New York City firefighters have endorsed Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in his re-election campaign.

The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association and the NYC Uniformed Firefighters Association have announced their support for Suozzi, who is facing a closely contested rematch against Republican Mike Lipetri in New York's Third House District.

"We supported him two years ago and he has been working hard to work with both sides of the aisle. He backs the blue and states all the time on the Congress floor that he absolutely rejects the defunding the police movement," said Tom Shevlin, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association. Shevlin added, "We support candidates who are willing to support us even if that means going against their own party."

Suozzi welcomed the endorsements, stating, "I am proud to once again have the endorsement of the Nassau County PBA. I have spent my career supporting law enforcement and making sure our officers have the resources they need to keep us safe." He continued, "As my opponent attacks and distorts my record, the men and women who protect us day and night know where I stand, and I am honored to have their trust and support."

Bobby Eustace, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, described Suozzi as a "common sense" congressman. "In his over thirty years as a public servant, Tom Suozzi has continued to demonstrate that he sees beyond party lines and works across the aisle to do what’s best for his constituents," Eustace said.

Republicans have intensified their focus on Suozzi's seat, with a Trump-aligned Super PAC reportedly spending nearly $8 million to support Lipetri. The No Going Back PAC has allocated $5.7 million for TV advertisements and an additional $2 million for mailings aimed at promoting Lipetri and criticizing Suozzi.

Suozzi, a former Nassau County executive, is serving his second term in Congress. He previously ran for governor in 2022, losing the Democratic primary to incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. Suozzi won a special election in February 2024 to fill the vacancy left by the expulsion of Rep. George Santos, and subsequently defeated Lipetri by a narrow margin in the November 2024 general election.

The race is occurring as Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, is expected to run strongly in the gubernatorial race, potentially benefiting Lipetri's campaign.