QUEENS, February 13, 2024 —“The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO is proud to congratulate our friend Tom Suozzi on his successful election in NY’s Third Congressional District,” said NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez following the victory in Tuesday’s special election. “Union members in Queens know that Tom has been a champion for working families throughout his entire career in public service, including during his time spearheading the House Labor Caucus. We know that we can count on Tom to continue fighting for policies that help all workers and supporting organized labor as the most effective means of building a strong middle class.” 

“We also extend our thanks to the hundreds of New York City union members who helped us get out the vote. Electing Tom Suozzi back to Congress isn’t just a victory for residents of the Third Congressional District, but the entire New York City Labor Movement.”

New York City union members made more than 50,000 calls and knocked on nearly 10,000 doors in Queens alone, in a member-to-member campaign that saw action by 86 different NYC CLC local union affiliates.

“Our members throughout NYC and Long Island have come together to help win this election for working people,” said Dennis G Trainor, Vice President, CWA District 1. “We have five Locals that played a huge role in this election and it’s been inspiring to be part of such a huge effort with our Union family. With Tom Suozzi in office, we know that we have a labor champion representing us in Congress!”

"Congratulations, Tom Suozzi. We need you in Washington. You will be a voice for educators and working families. Together we will fight for New Yorkers and this country," said Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers.

“As a constituent of the third district, I couldn’t be happier to see the victory of our good friend, Tom Suozzi in today’s election,” said Dave Bolger, Business Manager, Mason Tenders District Council. “And as a union representative, in today’s trying times where workers are perennially under attack, it is an honor and a privilege to have helped return a great friend of organized labor to the House! The Campaign slogan was “let’s fix this.“ Today we took a leap forward towards fixing the problems of America, starting right here in Queens and Long Island!”

“Congressman Suozzi was the right candidate for this district and is the right person for this moment in our country,” said Christopher Erikson, Business Manager, Local Union No. 3, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. “Our members came out in force to vote for Tom and to support his campaign because he was Labor’s candidate and will represent us admirably while getting Washington back on track.”

“32BJ SEIU congratulates our friend, Tom Suozzi, on his successful re-election in NY’s 3rd Congressional seat,” said 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich. “Tom’s sterling record of fighting for working New Yorkers coupled with his deep roots in the district made him the ideal candidate for not just our members, but union members across the district. We could not be prouder to have endorsed Tom and are thrilled that the 3rd Congressional district will be represented by a pro-worker and experienced candidate who can deliver results for this constituency.”

“This win for Tom Suozzi is also a win for labor and working families on Long Island and in Queens. Suozzi has a record of delivering for working people and will be a voice in Congress for our patients, communities, and quality healthcare,” said NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN.

“Tom has been a true supporter of the labor movement and knows the value unions provide to middle-class working families. He has repeatedly shown his commitment and determination to those he represents. We know we can count on Tom to be an outspoken voice going forward as he works with organized labor to advance legislation and policies we need for those we represent,” said CWA Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton.

“TWU Local 100, representing 46,000 workers who operate and maintain the NYC transportation system is looking forward to having Tom Suozzi return as the House Representative for NY Congressional District 3,” said Local 100 President Richard Davis. “We deserve strong leaders in Congress that will protect the rights of the people and advocate for transit workers.  Tom has been our partner in the labor movement and is willing to govern to protect our core values. That is why we stand in solidarity with Tom!”

"I was honored to endorse Tom Suozzi for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District on behalf of SMART Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union 28,” said Eric Meslin, President and Business Manager, SMART Local 28 Sheet Metal Workers. “As the President and Business Manager of our union, I place great importance on addressing the concerns that matter to our members. These concerns include improving wages and benefits, apprenticeship programs that provide long-term career opportunities, implementing stricter safety regulations, and advocating for fair prevailing wages that have been overlooked for far too long. Tom Suozzi aligns with our vision and has demonstrated a consistent dedication to fighting for working-class families. He understands the challenges faced by our members on Long Island and New York City and has actively supported middle-class jobs that keep pace with the rising cost of living in our region. We firmly believe that Tom Suozzi will champion the needs and interests of our union members, and greatly benefit our community."

“The Council of School Supervisors and Administrators congratulates Tom Suozzi on his election to Congress,” said Henry Rubio, President, Council of School Supervisors & Administrators, AFSA Local 1. “Throughout his long career serving these Queens and Long Island communities, he has always been a strong ally to public education and labor unions, and New York City working families were happy to stand with him throughout this campaign. Our school leaders know that he will fight hard to ensure our students receive the resources they deserve.”

“UFCW Local 1500 is excited to have Tom Suozzi back in CD-3 standing side by side with labor and fighting for workers rights,” said UFCW Local 1500 President Rob Newell. “Congressman Suozzi has a proven record of advocacy for union values and we look forward to working with him again in Congress.”

"Tom Suozzi's career has been dedicated to overcoming Washington's divisive partisan politics on behalf of working people and the middle class,” said Steamfitters Local 638 President Bobby Bartels, Jr. “We are grateful to all the members of Local 638 in New York City and Long Island who worked tirelessly these last few weeks on Tom's behalf and congratulate him on his return to Congress where he can continue to advocate for organized labor."

"Labor understands what this election means and our ability to message voters and get out our members, their family members and friends made a difference in Northeast Queens and Nassau,” said ATU1056 President/Business Agent Luis Alzate.

“Congratulations Tom, it’s good to have you back,” said Gregory Floyd, President, Teamsters Local 237 and Vice President at-Large on the General Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. “On behalf of working families, and especially among Teamsters--who, with your co-sponsoring of the Butch-Lewis Act were saved from an estimated 60% reduction of hard-earned pension benefits for active members and retirees--know that we look forward to continuing our collaborative effort in the fight for fairness and dignity in the workplace. Congratulations too, to the voters of the Congressional District 3 who can now be assured that experience and integrity has returned and their representation in Washington is once again a source of pride and a promise of accomplishments in the future.”

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For Immediate Release

February 13, 2024

Contact: kwhalen@nycclc.org, 347-453-7131