Michael LiPetri Jr.
Won the June 23 Republican primary; advanced from the Conservative Party primary, which was canceled
Michael LiPetri Jr. is a Republican and Conservative Party candidate challenging Rep. Tom Suozzi in a rematch of their 2024 race. He represented New York State Assembly District 9 from 2019 to 2021 and is an attorney and former talk show host. He is endorsed by President Donald Trump.[2]
On the record — official actions
- actionAs a New York State Assembly member (2019–2021), served on the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Housing; Environmental Conservation; Racing and Wagering; and Social Services committees.[2]
- vote2019-01-29 · Voted no on S2451 (the Red Flag law, establishing court-issued risk protection orders barring people found to pose a risk from purchasing or possessing firearms), which passed the Assembly 100-37 on January 29, 2019.[8]
- vote2019-01-22 · Voted no on S240 (the Reproductive Health Act, removing abortion from the state penal code and codifying abortion protections in public health law), which passed the Assembly 95-49 on January 22, 2019.[9]
- vote2019-06-12 · Voted no on A3675-B (the Green Light Law, authorizing the DMV to issue standard driver's licenses regardless of immigration status), which passed the Assembly 87-61 on June 12, 2019.[10]
- actionCo-chaired a statewide Water Quality Taskforce as a State Assemblyman, according to his campaign, aimed at addressing aging water infrastructure and contamination.[2]
- actionEndorsed by President Donald Trump, U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and the Nassau County Republican Party for the 2026 race.[2]
Positions on the issues
- SupportsExpand immigration enforcement and deportations
Supports continued deportation of people in the country illegally and describes the U.S. immigration system as needing stricter enforcement of legal entry.[2]
“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.”
- SupportsIncrease police funding and staffing
Describes himself as a strong supporter of law enforcement funding and opposes the "Defund the Police" movement.[2]
“During the height of the 'Defund the Police' movement, I was the #1 supporter of Law Enforcement.”
- OpposesExpand public health coverage
Opposes government/insurer control of healthcare decisions, favoring a system that emphasizes personal choice of doctors, portability, and price transparency over expanded public coverage.[2]
“We must restore the bond between patients and their doctors, not insurance companies and bureaucrats who wish to control the system.”
- SupportsContinue U.S. military aid to Israel
Supports continued and forceful U.S. backing of Israel and opposes boycott/divestment/sanctions campaigns against it.[2]
“Any attempt to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel must be shut down, eliminated, and swiftly dealt with.”
- MixedPublic funding for school choice (vouchers / charters)
Platform emphasizes parental control over education and family decisions generally, without a specific voucher or charter-school proposal documented.[2]
- OpposesStricter gun lawsFrom recorded votes
Voted no on the Red Flag law establishing court-issued risk protection orders that bar a person found to pose a risk from purchasing or possessing firearms.[8]
- OpposesProtect legal access to abortionFrom recorded votes
Voted no on the Reproductive Health Act, which removed abortion from the state penal code and codified abortion protections in New York public health law.[9]
In their words — priorities
- On affordability: "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."[2]
- On law enforcement: says he was "the #1 supporter of Law Enforcement lauded by the Suffolk County PBA for being the only state legislator from Long Island to 100% Back The Blue," as a state assemblyman.[2]
- On his campaign message: says flipping the seat is about "stopping the Mamdani Madness and lawlessness from spreading to Long Island."[2]
Background
- Earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from the University at Albany and a J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University.[2]
- Professional experience includes working as an attorney and talk show host.[2]
- Represented New York State Assembly District 9 from 2019 to 2021; served on the Assembly's Corporations/Authorities/Commissions, Housing, Environmental Conservation, Racing and Wagering, and Social Services committees; did not seek re-election in 2020.[2]
- Lost the 2024 general election for NY-3 to Suozzi, 48.1% to 51.7%.[2]