State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi Joins Crowded Race For US House Seat

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — New York State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi announced Monday she's running for Congress, becoming the latest candidate to join what is set to be a crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Tom Suozzi.

The 3rd Congressional District — newly drawn through redistricting — originally encompassed Nassau County's North Shore, parts of northeastern Queens, and parts of northwestern Suffolk County. Under the new lines, Biaggi, 35, of Pelham, is vying to represent a district that now includes parts of the Bronx and Westchester. The seat is being vacated by Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who has his sights set on the governor's office.

"Our country doesn't just need more Democrats in Washington — we need bolder ones," Biaggi said. "I'm running for Congress in NY-03 to bring progressive and honest leadership to the frontlines of our country's most important fights."

She also said the district "deserves an experienced progressive leader in Congress who isn't afraid to hold powerful people accountable, and who will fight on behalf of hardworking New Yorkers every single day."

The issues she sees as priorities include combating climate change, expanding voting rights, enacting universal Pre-K, and increasing the state and local tax deduction on federal taxes.

Biaggi was first elected to the State Senate in 2018, after defeating longtime State Sen. Jeff Klein.

She now joins a growing field of Democrats running for Suozzi's House seat. The race includes former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan, Port Washington's Melanie D'Arrigo, Oyster Bay's Reema Rasool, and Great Neck's Robert Zimmerman.