UMVA has learned that Mike LiPetri, a Republican challenger to a vulnerable Democratic incumbent in one of the nation's most competitive House races, has secured a key labor endorsement that could significantly boost his campaign.
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 138, a 1,500-member union, has thrown its support behind LiPetri, a former state assembly member backed by President Donald Trump. This endorsement reflects growing momentum behind LiPetri's campaign, which aims to unseat Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., in a rematch contest.
LiPetri believes that this endorsement is just the beginning, and he expects more unions to follow suit. "I think you'll see [more unions] fall in line with us knowing that we stand with the men and women who work hard to build our country," LiPetri said.
The union's Business Manager, John Duffy, praised LiPetri's candidacy, citing his willingness to roll up his sleeves and get the job done. "We need leaders in Washington with guts — people who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to get the job done, no excuses," Duffy said.
This endorsement comes as national Republicans view Suozzi as a top target and look to make gains in the district spanning parts of Long Island and Queens ahead of November’s elections. Trump carried Suozzi's seat by just over four points in 2024, while LiPetri ran three points behind the incumbent lawmaker.
LiPetri is part of the National Republican Congressional Committee's flagship candidate program and is viewed as a top recruit. He argued that the seat can literally decide the fate of the majority and that he has the support of key leaders, including Trump and House leadership.
LiPetri is seeking to draw sharp contrasts with Suozzi on key issues, including immigration, transgender issues, and tax policy. He criticized Suozzi for opposing additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and for voting against legislation barring biological males from women’s sports in K-12 schools.
Suozzi, the co-chair of the centrist Problem Solvers Caucus, has branded himself as a staunch moderate. However, LiPetri argued that the incumbent has strayed from that image over the past year, citing his votes on key issues.
Despite the challenges ahead, LiPetri remains optimistic, citing his campaign's fundraising progress. He said his campaign is among the top fundraisers for GOP challengers nationwide and plans to continue pushing and raising money to ensure his message gets out there.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race "Lean Democrat," but LiPetri is determined to defy expectations and emerge victorious in November.
