Primary Day 2026: Tom Suozzi Wages Democratic Primary For NY's 3rd Congressional District

LONG ISLAND, NY — As Primary Day is here, Long Island residents are making their way to the polls to vote on the 3rd Congressional District. Two candidates are waging a Democratic primary race – incumbent Tom Suozzi is running to retain his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives against Danielle Welch.

Two candidates are waging a Republican primary race for the 3rd Congressional District – Michael LiPetri against Gregory Hach.

The Democratic and Republican winners of today's primaries will compete in the general election in November.

The 3rd Congressional District on Long Island spans northeastern Queens, across the North Shore of Long Island in Nassau County, and includes parts of northwestern Suffolk County.

Voting takes place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. To find your polling location, click here.

Ahead of the election, Patch posed several questions to Suozzi, 64, from Glen Cove, about his platform, priorities, experience, and district. See his replies below.

Name: Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi

How old will you be as of Election Day? 64

Does your campaign have a website? SuozziforCongress.com

What city or town do you live in? Glen Cove, NY

What office are you seeking? Re-election to the US House of Representatives

Education: BS, Boston College, JD, Fordham Law School, trained as a Certified Public Accountant and Attorney

What is your occupation? Member of Congress

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them. Wife Helene Wrotniak Suozzi, three children: Caroline 31, Joe, 28 and Michael 23

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective? Glen Cove Mayor 1994-2001, Nassau County Executive 2002-2009, Member of Congress 2017-2022, 2024- Present

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for waging a primary and your general views on politics and government.

First, why are you seeking this office?

I have dedicated most of adult life to public service because I have a passion and a knack for solving complex problems to make people’s lives better. Serving as a public official has allowed me to do what I always dreamed of doing: help people, clean up pollution, build buildings, solve problems, and try to make people’s lives better. I think government is essential and

I think America’s system of democracy is the greatest in the world. I believe in the American Dream, I witnessed first hand with my father, an Italian immigrant who came to our country, fought in WWII and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Clusters. He came home, attended Harvard Law School on the GI Bill, opened his own law practice, was elected the youngest judge in the state of NY, and served as mayor of our hometown, Glen Cove.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing constituents is:

1. Affordability and lowering unnecessary high costs created by the Trump administration.

2. Protecting and preserving the environment and clean drinking water.

3. Reform our immigration system while still treating everyone with decency and respect.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on LI?

Provide funds for PFAS filtration and other contaminants. Congressman Suozzi has secured tens of millions for this purpose. Assistance for homeowners to upgrade their septic systems to more nitrogen- efficient systems. Suozzi’s legislation, the SEPTIC Act, provides tax clarity for homeowners who take advantage of local grant programs to upgrade their septic systems, making it easier for homeowners to use these programs. Suozzi continues to be a leader pushing federal and state agencies to prioritize cleanup of the Navy Grumman plume, including holding roundtables to coordinate agencies and hold them accountable.

What do you think can be done to help improve our infrastructure, highways, etc.?

Congressman Suozzi was a leader and instrumental in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, providing billions of dollars for highway funding and infrastructure, especially vital for New York’s aging infrastructure.

How would you plan to help local business owners, who are struggling because of high rents, inflation, and labor shortages?

Congressman Suozzi fought to pass a bipartisan extension of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. Without the extension, small business owners and employees without access to employer sponsored health insurance, would be disproportionately impacted. Premiums were expected to double on average. Suozzi also had spoken out and put a spotlight on how the reckless tariffs have hurt small businesses.

How are federal issues impacting local government?

As a former Mayor and County Executive, Congressman Suozzi knows firsthand how federal decisions can affect local governments. Congressman Suozzi has successfully fought back on the Trump administration withholding federal funds as political retribution. Local governments need these funds to ensure traffic safety, clean drinking water, services for seniors, and much more. Suozzi was also a leader in fighting to pass legislation to reinstate the SALT deduction that was
eliminated by Republicans in 2017. His legislation passed in the House three times, with bipartisan support. The deductions are crucial to small businesses on Long Island.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

The people in the Third Congressional District know me. I am proud of my record representing the people of Long Island and Queens and I believe my record stands for itself.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Affordability, affordability, affordability, fighting for my constituents and standing up to anyone, including the White House or behemoth health care companies who are putting undue pressure on the families on Long Island

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

I have a long record of delivering as mayor, county executive and now as a member of congress. In Congress, I have increased federal funding for the Long Island Sound by nearly 1000 percent, helped negotiate the historic Infrastructure and Jobs Act, which invested billions of dollars to improve New York’s infrastructure, successfully lowered drug prices, and most recently, helped kill President Trump’s $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded slush fund.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love my job and fighting every day to deliver for my constituents.