News 12 to Host NY-3 Congressional Debate Between Tom Suozzi and Mike LiPetri

NEW YORK - October 13, 2026 - News 12, the preeminent hyperlocal news source across the New York tri-state area, will host a televised debate between U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi and Republican challenger Mike LiPetri on Tuesday, October 20, giving voters the chance to hear directly from each candidate.

Moderated by News 12 Political Reporter Rich Barrabi, the debate will bring the two candidates together for their first televised debate of the 2026 general election campaign to answer questions submitted by and asked by News 12 viewers.

The recorded debate will begin airing at 8:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 across News 12 platforms.

In the lead-up to the debate, News 12 is putting voters at the center of the conversation by inviting members of the community to submit questions for the candidates. Viewers can submit written questions or video questions through News 12's online platforms, giving residents an opportunity to raise the issues that matter most to them.

"Local elections have a direct impact on people's daily lives, and voters in New York's 3^rd Congressional District deserve meaningful opportunities to hear where candidates stand," said Audrey Gruber, Senior Vice President and General Manager of News 12. "By bringing Suozzi and LiPetri together and incorporating questions from our viewers, we're helping residents better understand their choices and the issues shaping their communities. News 12 is committed to delivering accessible, hyperlocal political coverage that keeps Long Island voters informed."

Barrabi is the co-anchor of Mornings on 12 and host of Power & Politics on News 12 Long Island. Specializing in government, politics, and public affairs, Barrabi has spent years covering the issues, decisions, and leaders that shape life across Nassau and Suffolk counties. For more than a decade, he has moderated Long Island congressional debates, giving voters direct access to the candidates seeking to represent them in Washington. He has conducted exclusive interviews with Gov. Kathy Hochul, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

News 12 has a longstanding commitment to providing in-depth political and investigative journalism rooted in the communities it serves. The network has been recognized for its coverage of politics, investigations and local issues, including 26 New York Emmy® Awards in 2026.