During a recent fundraising event in Little Neck, Queens, Mike LiPetri, the Republican candidate for New York’s 3rd Congressional District, took the opportunity to connect with a notable number of Asian American voters. At the event, he made it clear that, if elected, he would prioritize listening to and representing the voices and needs of the Asian community.
At just 34 years old, LiPetri was born and raised in Farmingdale, Long Island. With a background as a seasoned attorney, he previously served as a state assemblyman for the 9th District from 2019 to 2021. LiPetri emphasized that he comes from a non-political background, explaining that his motivation for entering politics stems from a desire to amplify the legal system’s voice and offer the public a credible choice while concentrating on solutions for future generations.
Reflecting on his time in the New York State Assembly, LiPetri highlighted his achievements in public safety, immigration reform, and community service. He believes that his legal expertise, coupled with a solid understanding of the Constitution and legislative processes, equips him to tackle intricate policy issues and work toward bipartisan solutions.
LiPetri’s platform primarily addresses the specific challenges faced by Long Island residents. He expressed a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of community life, pointing to initiatives focused on improving drinking water and infrastructure. On immigration policy, he plans to put an end to the “catch and release” approach, advocating for a more rigorous screening process to ensure that immigrants can contribute positively to American society. Additionally, he stands firmly against bail reform laws, vowing to challenge such measures—at the federal level as well—in efforts to reduce crime rates.
During the event, LiPetri also shared his favorable experiences with the Asian community, noting that he has hosted several snack gatherings and tea sessions. He stated his intention to maintain open lines of communication with local communities, intending to use social media, email, and video conferencing as tools for engagement. “We will leverage platforms like WeChat and WhatsApp to ensure effective communication with the Asian community,” he affirmed. “Translation services will also be provided to guarantee that every voter, regardless of language, can engage in meaningful discussions with us.” Furthermore, he assured that his office would always be open for constituents to voice their concerns.
LiPetri also took a firm stance against hate incidents targeting Asian Americans. “Under my oversight, I will not allow any form of hatred to persist. It’s imperative that our streets are safe for everyone, including our Asian friends,” he asserted.
When asked about his strategy to win support from Asian voters, LiPetri acknowledged the historical Democratic leanings within the community. However, he believes that Republican values resonate more closely with their beliefs. “If you want a safe, stable, and affordable community, those are the values of the Republican Party. If you believe in achieving success through hard work and personal merit instead of relying on handouts and identity politics, then you are a Republican. If you desire secure neighborhoods and strong support for law enforcement, that makes you a Republican too,” he concluded.
