NY-3 Race Narrows as Candidates Clash Over $3.26B Energy Project

New York's 3rd Congressional District election is entering its final stretch, with both major party candidates emphasizing moderate approaches to governance. This focus on bipartisanship comes as voters weigh in on a high-stakes contest that determined the district's representation in the previous cycle.

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi and Republican challenger Mike LiPetri addressed residents at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center on Wednesday, October 21. The Meet the Candidates event was hosted by the Bay Terrace Community Alliance. Both men argued that they prioritize local interests over strict party loyalty, a strategy Suozzi used to reclaim his seat in 2024 after running for governor.

LiPetri, a former state assembly member, noted that he worked effectively within a Democrat-controlled legislature. He told the crowd that he supports ideas that help the district regardless of which party proposes them. Suozzi echoed this sentiment, stating that he rejects extremism from both the far left and far right. He described his approach as relying on common sense to get things done.

The candidates traded criticisms on recent congressional votes. LiPetri accused Suozzi of following the Democratic Party line, specifically citing a vote to condemn socialism. Suozzi and other Democrats opposed that resolution because it was bundled with support for the SAVE America Act. They argued that the act's requirements for in-person proof of citizenship could disenfranchise millions. The two sides also clashed over the Stop Insider Trading Act. Democrats voted against it because Republicans tied it to voter identification rules. They also argued the bill contained loopholes that allowed certain officials to keep trading stocks.

A central local issue in the debate was Propel NY Energy, a $3.26 billion project to upgrade the energy grid across New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island. The route enters Queens along Northern Boulevard and passes through Douglaston and Bayside. It turns onto Bell Boulevard near the shopping center. Both candidates expressed opposition to the project. Suozzi criticized the lack of communication to local residents. He said he has instructed the Army Corps of Engineers to hold a hearing to clarify the project's impact. LiPetri said he has heard opposition for years and promised to fight the project if elected.

Immigration policy also featured prominently in the discussion. Suozzi proposed a balanced approach that includes securing the border and deporting violent criminals. He suggested granting work visas to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years without a criminal record. He estimated the cost of these visas at up to $9,000 per person. LiPetri countered with an Americans-first stance. He argued that undocumented immigrants should return home to follow the legal process. He said funds used for amnesty should instead go to American citizens and veterans.

State legislative candidates also spoke at the event. Senate District 11 incumbents and challengers, including Toby Ann Stavisky and Pamela Michos, discussed Local Law 97. This law mandates that large buildings reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. Both candidates expressed concern that the law unfairly penalizes co-op shareholders. Assembly District 26 candidates Ed Braunstein and Robert Speranza also criticized the law. Braunstein noted that the state recently delayed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, arguing the city should do the same. Speranza called the law disgusting and said the City Council should have never passed it.