--- title: "Suozzi vs. LiPetri: 2026 New York’s 3rd District race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-ny-03" updated: "2026-10-01" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 New York’s 3rd District race: Tom Suozzi (D) vs. Michael LiPetri Jr. (R) Rating: Lean D · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: October 1, 2026 The 2026 general election for New York's 3rd Congressional District is a rematch of the 2024 contest between Democratic incumbent Rep. Tom Suozzi and Republican/Conservative Party nominee Michael LiPetri Jr. Suozzi defeated LiPetri in 2024 with 51.7% of the vote, even as Donald Trump won the district with 51.4%, making NY-03 one of 23 Democratic-held House districts carried by Trump. The race hinges on affordability and tax relief, immigration enforcement versus reform, healthcare costs, and public safety. ## Candidates - **Tom Suozzi** (Democrat) · [Campaign site](https://suozziforcongress.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tom_Suozzi) - **Michael LiPetri Jr.** (Republican / Conservative Party) · [Campaign site](https://www.mikelipetriforcongress.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_LiPetri_Jr.) ## Issues ### Cost of living and taxes Salience: high Both candidates favor lifting the SALT tax cap, but Suozzi targets tariff rollbacks and bipartisan deficit frameworks while LiPetri advocates expanding Trump-style tax cuts and tax exemptions on tips, overtime, and Social Security. **Tom Suozzi:** Supports repealing SALT cap and cutting tariffs Suozzi released a Five-Point American Affordability Plan focusing on rolling back tariffs, paying down federal debt, and protecting healthcare tax credits. He actively fights to repeal the cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions and supports legislation to lower mortgage interest rates for first-time buyers. - Co-sponsor of the Stop Global Tariffs Act to roll back tariff authority. - Restoring the full State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. - Enacting the Problem Solvers Caucus Fiscal Stability Framework to reduce the federal deficit. - Co-authoring the First-Time Homebuyers Affordability Act. > “Get rid of irresponsible tariffs that are driving up prices on groceries, cars, building materials, and everyday goods — while fighting for trade deals that bring manufacturing jobs back to America.” > — Tom Suozzi, via [Campaign site](https://suozziforcongress.com/) **Michael LiPetri Jr.:** Supports tax cuts and lifting SALT cap LiPetri advocates for tax relief based on Trump tax cut policies to help families keep more of their earnings. He supports raising the SALT tax cap and eliminating federal income taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. - Lifting the SALT tax cap to protect New York taxpayers. - Eliminating federal income taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. - Extending and building upon the 2017 Trump tax cuts. > “Affordability starts with letting Americans keep more of what they earn. That means building off the success of the Trump tax cuts - including lifting the SALT tax cap to protect New York families and eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security.” > — Michael LiPetri Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_LiPetri_Jr.) ### Immigration and border security Salience: high LiPetri prioritizes strict border enforcement and deportations, while Suozzi supports combining border security measures with earned legal pathways for undocumented immigrants. **Tom Suozzi:** Supports bipartisan border security and legal pathways Suozzi promotes a comprehensive bipartisan immigration compromise that combines stronger border security with legal pathways for undocumented immigrants. He voted for the Laken Riley Act and previously authored border processing and asylum reform plans. - Voted for the bipartisan Laken Riley Act. - Proposed a Grand Compromise providing border security funding alongside legal status for 5 million undocumented residents. - Proposed an Ellis Island plan to construct border processing facilities and hire immigration judges to expedite asylum cases. > “Tom has consistently advocated working across party lines, supporting efforts to strengthen border security while also creating a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants, reflecting his belief that lasting immigration reform must combine economic, humanitarian, and public safety priorities.” > — Tom Suozzi, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tom_Suozzi) **Michael LiPetri Jr.:** Supports border security and deportations LiPetri supports strict border security enforcement and deporting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. He advocates requiring all immigrants to enter the country through legal channels. - Enforce strict border security and deportation of undocumented criminals. - End open-border policies and enforce existing immigration laws. - Require legal entry protocols for all immigrants. > “We must continue to deport those criminals here illegally and demand that every immigrant - like our parents and grandparents - enter this country legally and with pride.” > — Michael LiPetri Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_LiPetri_Jr.) ### Public safety and law enforcement Salience: medium LiPetri emphasizes unwavering opposition to police reform efforts and New York Democratic crime policies, whereas Suozzi pairs police support with universal background checks and crime prevention intervention. **Tom Suozzi:** Supports police funding, intervention, and gun safety Suozzi highlights his track record overseeing public safety as Nassau County Executive, advocating for crime prevention through precision policing, community policing, and social services. He also co-sponsored major gun violence prevention bills. - Endorsed by law enforcement groups including the Nassau County PBA and Glen Cove PBA. - Promotes precision policing targeting illegal handguns alongside youth crime prevention programs. - Co-sponsored legislation mandating universal background checks for firearm purchases. > “The Congressman stands for common sense and making sure that our police officers are supported and protected.” > — Tom Suozzi, via [Campaign site](https://suozziforcongress.com/) **Michael LiPetri Jr.:** Supports law enforcement and opposes police defunding LiPetri campaigns on strong backing for law enforcement officers, pointing to his rating by the Suffolk County PBA during his tenure in the state legislature. He pledges to stop crime and lawlessness from spreading into Long Island. - Opposes Defund the Police initiatives. - Recognized by the Suffolk County PBA as a top supporter of law enforcement while in the State Assembly. - Pledges to combat rising crime rates and regional lawlessness. > “Under President Trump's leadership, Republicans have delivered no tax on tips, social security, overtime, and we've raised the SALT tax cap directly helping hardworking New Yorkers. Flipping this seat and stopping the Mamdani Madness and lawlessness from spreading to Long Island is critical.” > — Michael LiPetri Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_LiPetri_Jr.) ### Healthcare Salience: medium Suozzi favors expanding federal health coverage subsidies and Medicare drug price negotiations, while LiPetri calls for free-market interstate insurance portability and price transparency. **Tom Suozzi:** Supports expanding ACA, drug price negotiation, and WISH Act Suozzi advocates for expanding Affordable Care Act subsidies, permitting Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and capping out-of-pocket prescription costs. He introduced the WISH Act to establish public-private long-term care insurance so seniors can receive care at home. - Authored the bipartisan HOPE Act to extend ACA premium tax credits. - Authored the bipartisan WISH Act for home-based senior long-term care insurance. - Supported capping insulin costs at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries. > “Pass the Bipartisan HOPE Act, authored by Suozzi, which would extend enhanced ACA premium tax credits for two years while adding income limits and safeguards against fraud.” > — Tom Suozzi, via [Campaign site](https://suozziforcongress.com/) **Michael LiPetri Jr.:** Supports doctor-patient control and price transparency LiPetri proposes reforming healthcare to emphasize individual choice, portable coverage across jobs or state lines, and price transparency. He aims to shift control away from insurance companies and government bureaucrats to doctors and patients. - Promote personal, portable, and preventative care. - Implement 21st-century healthcare price transparency. - Enable patients to keep insurance across state lines and job changes. > “Our vision is a system that emphasizes personal, portable, and preventative care, empowering Americans to choose their own doctors, keep coverage across jobs or states, deliver a price transparency system fit for the 21st century, and focus on staying healthy—not just getting treated when sick.” > — Michael LiPetri Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_LiPetri_Jr.) ### Energy and environment Salience: medium Suozzi proposes federal permitting reform and clean energy tax credits alongside regional conservation, whereas LiPetri focuses on local water infrastructure upgrades and environmental hazard cleanup. **Tom Suozzi:** Supports permitting reform, clean energy, and Sound protection Suozzi advocates for expediting energy infrastructure projects—including clean energy, natural gas, and nuclear power—by reforming federal permitting. He also supports clean energy tax credits and securing federal funding to clean up Long Island Sound and Superfund sites. - Enact the Problem Solvers Caucus Permitting Framework to streamline energy project approvals. - Co-sponsor the Energy Bills Relief Act to restore clean energy tax credits. - Secured expanded federal funding for the Long Island Sound Geographic Program and Bethpage Plume cleanup. > “Cut red tape so we can build energy projects faster — clean energy, natural gas, nuclear, transmission, and storage — to produce more energy, lower costs, and build a cleaner future.” > — Tom Suozzi, via [Campaign site](https://suozziforcongress.com/) **Michael LiPetri Jr.:** Supports water infrastructure and local ecosystem protection LiPetri emphasizes protecting local ecosystems, wildlife, and waterways. He points to his legislative experience co-chairing a statewide task force dedicated to upgrading aging water infrastructure and remediating environmental hazards. - Co-chaired a statewide Water Quality Taskforce in the New York State Assembly. - Focus on upgrading aging water infrastructure. - Address local environmental hazards and water contaminants. > “As a State Assemblyman, I Co-Chaired a statewide Water Quality Taskforce aimed at addressing our aging water infrastructure and cleaning up contaminates and environmental hazards.” > — Michael LiPetri Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_LiPetri_Jr.) ### Foreign policy and defense Salience: medium Both candidates strongly back Israel, but Suozzi also outlines plans to wind down reckless foreign conflicts and aid Ukraine, while LiPetri focuses on shutting down anti-Israel BDS actions and taking forceful measures against Iran and its proxies. **Tom Suozzi:** Supports Israel, Ukraine, and ending reckless foreign conflicts Suozzi supports strong defense aid for Israel, including missile defense systems, as well as military aid for Ukraine against Russian aggression. In his affordability plan, he also calls for phasing out of the Iran war, exercising congressional oversight, and focusing on smart diplomacy. - Support missile defense funding for Israel (Iron Dome, David's Sling, Arrow). - Phase out of the Iran war and limit unauthorized presidential military actions. - Maintain military support for Ukraine and its accession to NATO. > “Stop pouring taxpayer money into a reckless war. Focus on smart diplomacy, modern defense spending that addresses today's threats, and stronger alliances that share the cost of keeping us safe.” > — Tom Suozzi, via [Campaign site](https://suozziforcongress.com/) **Michael LiPetri Jr.:** Supports Israel and eliminating anti-Israel boycotts LiPetri pledges total support for Israel and calls for shutting down Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) initiatives. He advocates confronting antisemitism and taking forceful military action against hostile regional actors. - Eliminate BDS efforts against Israel. - Confront antisemitism on college campuses and internationally. - Respond to foreign terrorist organizations including Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, and Iran with force. > “Any attempt to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel must be shut down, eliminated, and swiftly dealt with. Jew Hate, in all forms - from college campuses to the streets of Gaza - cannot be tolerated.” > — Michael LiPetri Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_LiPetri_Jr.) ### Reproductive rights and social issues Salience: medium Suozzi emphasizes protecting abortion rights and codifying Roe v. Wade, while LiPetri focuses his social policy platform on restricting transgender access in female sports and private spaces. **Tom Suozzi:** Supports codifying Roe v. Wade and reproductive freedom Suozzi supports legal abortion and codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law to protect healthcare choices. He holds 100% ratings from Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America. - Pass federal legislation codifying Roe v. Wade. - Protect access to full reproductive healthcare services. - Earned 100% ratings from major pro-choice organizations. > “Extremists are threatening a national abortion ban. Tom will always fight to defend a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions.” > — Tom Suozzi, via [Campaign site](https://suozziforcongress.com/) **Michael LiPetri Jr.:** Opposes biological men in women's sports and bathrooms LiPetri focuses his social policy platform on restricting transgender participation in female athletics and public accommodations. He asserts that biological men should not compete in women's sports or use female locker rooms. - Prohibit biological men from competing in female sports divisions. - Restrict access to female locker rooms and restrooms. > “Biological men should never compete in female sports or use female locker rooms or bathrooms - it’s common sense.” > — Michael LiPetri Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_LiPetri_Jr.) ### Cryptocurrency and technology Salience: low **Tom Suozzi:** No documented position in our sources **Michael LiPetri Jr.:** Supports unified regulatory framework for crypto LiPetri advocates for a federal regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and digital assets. He aims to shield blockchain innovation from bureaucratic overreach and maintain U.S. leadership in financial technology. - Pass a unified federal regulatory framework for cryptocurrency. - Protect blockchain innovation from overregulation. - Establish U.S. leadership in global digital asset innovation. > “Congress should pass a unified crypto regulatory framework that defends freedom and ensures America sets the global standard in digital asset innovation.” > — Michael LiPetri Jr., via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Michael_LiPetri_Jr.) ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/ny-03-house-election-winner) — NY-03 House Election Winner: Democrats 88.5%, Republicans 11.5% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/HOUSENY3-26) — NY-03 House winner?: Tom Suozzi 90.2%, Mike LiPetri 10.0% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-house-ny-03)