A major Republican political committee is putting its weight behind millennial GOP challenger Mike LiPetri to topple veteran Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in the hotly-contested House race in New York.
The National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee, which works to elect Republicans to the United States House of Representatives, added LiPetri, 34, to its “Young Guns” program Friday — indicating the race will be a priority.
LiPetri, a former state assemblyman, is gunning to become the GOP candidate for New York’s 3rd congressional district in the upcoming primary set for June 25.
If he is successful, the attorney will go head-to-head with Rep. Suozzi in New York’s closely-watched House District 3 — the wealthiest congressional district in the Empire State, which covers Nassau County’s north shore and parts of bordering neighborhoods in Queens.
“Mike LiPetri is a fantastic candidate who is working day and night to run a strong race in New York’s Third District,” said NRCC Spokeswoman Savannah Viar.
“His commitment to securing the border, lowering inflation and tamping down on crime serve in contrast to Democrats’ extremist message.”
Suozzi, a former Nassau County executive, served three terms in the House before he gave up his seat to unsuccessfully run for governor in 2022, losing badly to Kathy Hochul in the Democratic primary.
However, the 61-year-old Democrat rejoined the House after winning his seat back in a special election earlier this year to replace expelled ex-Rep. George Santos. In a stunning upset, Santos had flipped Suozzi’s vacant seat in 2022.
The GOP claims Suozzi is “ripe for the picking”, with voters consistently ranking immigration and the economy as top issues that Dems have failed to address.
The “Young Guns” program is the NRCC’s highest designation bestowed on a candidate.
The program requires candidates to work towards specific goals and meet benchmarks throughout the election cycle to ensure their campaigns remain competitive, well-funded and known within their districts.
Being given the designation makes it easier for candidates to raise funds because GOP donors know it’s a competitive race that is potentially winnable, according to the NRCC.
The Suozzi camp, whom independent analysts consider a favorite in the race, seemed unfazed — despite the congressman only topping Republican rival Mazi Pilip by a thin margin to replace Santos.
“Congressman Tom Suozzi will continue to stand with New York families and work across party lines for common-sense solutions to secure our border, reinstate the SALT [State and Local Tax] deduction, protect our air and water and to stand up to extremism,” said Suozzi senior campaign advisor Kim Devlin.
The NRCC previously listed retired NYPD deputy inspector Alison Esposito, a Republican challenging Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan in Hudson Valley’s 18th District, as one of its “Young Guns.”
LiPetri is one of 35 lawmakers to make the NRCC’s “Young Guns” list.
A LiPetri campaign survey released in August showed former President Donald Trump leading Vice President Kamala Harris by just 2 percentage points (47% to 45%) in the district.
Suozzi led the lesser-known challenger 51% to 37% in the survey.