Story perspectives

Suozzi's Re-Election Kickoff Ignites Controversy Over Hochul's Absence

1/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 7, Rep. Tom Suozzi held his re-election kickoff, sparking controversy over Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James not being invited.
Insiders say the omission signals Hochul's unpopularity in Suozzi's district.
Nassau County Republican Party chairman Joseph Cairo criticized Suozzi for distancing himself from Hochul.
Suozzi's campaign and Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs say the invitation included only local officials, and Hochul's absence was not a slight.

1 of 1

Story summary

On February 7, Rep. Tom Suozzi held his re-election kickoff, sparking controversy over Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James not being invited.
Insiders say the omission signals Hochul's unpopularity in Suozzi's district.
Nassau County Republican Party chairman Joseph Cairo criticized Suozzi for distancing himself from Hochul.
Suozzi's campaign and Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs say the invitation included only local officials, and Hochul's absence was not a slight.