EXCLUSIVE: A Republican challenging a vulnerable Democratic incumbent in one of the nation's most competitive House races is touting a key labor endorsement. Mike LiPetri, a former state assembly member backed by President Donald Trump, said support from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 138 reflects growing momentum behind his campaign. "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 told Fox News Digital in an interview.The endorsement from the 1,500-member union gives LiPetri a boost as he prepares for a rematch contest against Rep.Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., who won back the suburban swing seat in 2024 after representing it from 2017 to 2023. National Republicans are aggressively targeting Rep.
Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., ahead of November's midterm elections.Mike LiPetri, his expected GOP challenger, says the district could "decide the fate of the [House] majority." (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)HASAN PIKER CELEBRATES AMERICA BEING 'CLOSER THAN EVER' TO SOCIALISM AS HE BACKS NYC CANDIDATESLocal 138 Business Manager John Duffy praised LiPetri's candidacy in a statement to Fox News Digital."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.
"Mike LiPetri is that guy and the men and women of Local 138 are with him all the way." The support from the union comes as national Republicans, who view Suozzi as a top target, 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.Republicans have largely united behind LiPetri, who is seeking to fend off a challenge from attorney Gregory Hach in the June 23 GOP primary.LiPetri is part of the National Republican Congressional Committee's flagship...