US Rep. Tom Suozzi Brings Another Moderate Voice to the Field of Democrats Running for Governor

By Yehudit Garmaise

Long Island US Rep. Tom Suozzi, who describes himself as a “common-sense Democrat,” announced today he will be joining what has become a field with many contenders running in the June 2022 Democratic primary for New York governor.

“I don't believe it's about going to the far left or the far right,” said Rep. Suozzi who first ran for governor in 2006 when he was defeated in a primary by former Gov. Eliot Spitzer. “It's about solving the problems that we face.”

Before former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in disgrace on Aug. 10, he was preparing for a fourth term, however, since that time he has withdrawn from the race, and the state’s highest office appears to be up for grabs, with many serious candidates.

Rep. Suozzi, who formerly served as a Nassau County executive, joined Gov. Kathy Hochul; Attorney General Letitia James; and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams in the race in which Mayor Bill de Blasio is also expected to run.

Currently, Gov. Hochul, who was sworn in on Aug. 24, leads in popularity in the polls when New Yorkers are asked whom they will support for the Democratic candidate for the governor’s race.

Suozzi, who is 59, says he brings to the race a voice that is both moderate and suburban. 

"I’m running for governor of New York state,” said Rep. Suozzi, who has served in Congress since 2017. “I feel great about it," Suozzi told reporters. "I have the background and proven ability to do this job."

Suozzi recently claimed victory in the House by raising the limit on local and state tax deductions, which is an issue important to residents of the New York suburbs, where the taxes are the nation’s highest.

Today, Rep. Suozzi also said that property taxes are too high and that he wants to fight crime by “getting more cops on the streets.”

Like Mayor-elect Eric Adams and President Joe Biden, Suozzi is critical of current cash bail laws, which result in criminals perpetrating crimes the days after they are arrested. 

"We have to give judges the power and the discretion to pull violent offenders off the streets,” Suozzi said today.

On the Republic side, US Rep. Lee Zeldin, is the frontrunner, while Andrew Giuliani, who served in former President Donald Trump’s administration and is the son of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino is also running for the GOP nomination.

Photo: Flickr