Mike LiPetri, a Republican challenger backed by President Trump, picked up an important endorsement from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 138 as he prepares for a rematch against Rep. Tom Suozzi in a tight Long Island and Queens district. The 1,500-member union’s support gives LiPetri political momentum and talking points about jobs, law enforcement, and taxes as he campaigns to flip a swing seat the GOP believes it can win. This race is personal for local workers and national Republicans alike, and LiPetri is using the endorsement to broaden his appeal to union voters who care about pay, overtime, and public safety.
The Local 138 endorsement landed as a clear boost and a sign that labor support can cross traditional lines when candidates focus on concrete worker issues. John Duffy, Local 138 Business Manager, made their backing plain: “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. That kind of line reads well on the doors and in the union halls on the Island.
LiPetri framed the endorsement as proof that Republicans can win blue-collar trust when they deliver results instead of slogans. “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,” he said, emphasizing practical wins over partisan rhetoric. The campaign is leaning into job-centered messaging to peel away moderate and working-class voters.
This is a rematch of a close contest: Suozzi reclaimed the seat in 2024 after previously serving it, and the district is a razor-edge battleground. Trump carried the seat by just over four points in 2024 while LiPetri trailed the incumbent by three points, so margins are thin and turnout will decide the outcome. Republicans see the district as a must-win to regain a workable House majority.
National and local GOP organizations have rallied behind LiPetri, who is viewed as a flagship recruit and part of the NRCC’s key candidate program. He still has a primary to fend off from Gregory Hach on June 23, but party unity is strong and resources are flowing. “This seat can literally decide the fate of the majority,” LiPetri said, underlining how much is at stake for both sides.
LiPetri is drawing sharp contrasts with Suozzi on immigration, transgender issues, and taxes to sharpen the choice for voters. He argues Suozzi has drifted from his moderate image after key votes, noting that Suozzi opposed additional funding for ICE and CBP during the standoff over immigration spending. In the aftermath Suozzi admitted he “failed” to view the legislation as “a referendum on the illegal and immoral conduct of ICE” and later shifted toward pairing funding with reforms.
Law and order is a consistent theme for LiPetri as he presses on public safety and support for officers. “We have to have someone that stays strong with law enforcement,” LiPetri told Fox News Digital, arguing Suozzi had “betrayed” federal law enforcement officers with his votes. That message is meant to reassure voters who prioritize public safety and steady enforcement.
On cultural issues, LiPetri took aim at votes where Suozzi sided with Democrats, including opposition to a bill banning biological males from girls’ K-12 sports and a museum measure that became controversial over transgender exhibits. “They’re going to have to explain to their voters why they believe this museum should not be built and why they believe that there should be transgender exhibits in it,” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., the measure’s sponsor, said in May, referring to Democrats. LiPetri uses those votes to paint Suozzi as out of step with mainstream local views.
Taxes and workplace rules are also central to LiPetri’s pitch to union households, who care a lot about overtime and take-home pay. He criticized Suozzi for opposing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that created new deductions for tips, overtime pay, and automobile loans. “No tax on overtime was critical for union men and women,” LiPetri told Fox News Digital. “And they see who my opponent really is, someone that focuses on keeping his job rather than doing his job.”
Fundraising remains a challenge for the challenger but the campaign says it is closing the gap with enthusiastic grassroots support. Suozzi reported roughly $5.5 million in the bank while LiPetri listed about $727,000 cash on hand, but LiPetri insists his operation ranks among the top fundraisers for GOP challengers. “We’re gonna keep pushing and raising our money to make sure our message gets out there,” LiPetri told Fox News Digital, signaling an aggressive fall push ahead of November.
The Cook Political Report currently rates the contest “Lean Democrat,” but local dynamics, turnout drivers, and labor moves could tighten the picture. Republicans are banking on union endorsements and focused messaging on jobs, safety, and taxes to flip the seat back. The race will test whether that strategy can turn narrow margins into a November win for the GOP.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.