WASHINGTON (TNND) — Republican Michael LiPetri is again challenging Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in New York’s 3rd Congressional District, where the candidates are facing off in a rematch of their 2024 race. Suozzi won that contest by about 3 percentage points, according to Ballotpedia. ballotpedia.org

In an interview with The National News Desk, LiPetri said the race has drawn more national attention and financial support this cycle. He called it one of the country’s top three target seats and argued that voters should reject what he described as Suozzi’s inconsistent record.

Republican Michael LiPetri is again challenging Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in New York’s 3rd Congressional District, where the candidates are facing off in a rematch of their 2024 race. (TNND)

LiPetri criticized Suozzi’s votes on voter ID, transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports, a major tax-cut bill and a proposed ban on congressional stock trading. He also alleged that Suozzi made millions of dollars trading stocks while in Congress. Those claims were not independently examined during the interview.

Suozzi’s campaign was not represented in the interview.

LiPetri, a former New York state assemblyman and attorney, said he would focus on lowering costs, supporting law enforcement and opposing Democratic policies he characterized as socialist. He also criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of promoting anti-Semitism and seeking to defund police.

Asked how he would address anti-Semitism and public safety in Congress, LiPetri called for action against anti-Semitic rhetoric on college campuses and said lawmakers should support police. He also said the United States should scrutinize student visa holders who target Jewish residents, though he did not outline specific legislation.

The 3rd Congressional District includes parts of Queens, Nassau County and Suffolk County. LiPetri said he wants a Republican in the seat to push back against what he called the “rhetoric” of Democratic Socialists of America members and to keep communities safe and affordable.