Rudy Giuliani Breaks With Trump, Backs Greg Hach In Key New York GOP Primary
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has broken with President Donald Trump in one of New York’s most closely watched Republican congressional primaries by endorsing attorney and Air Force veteran Greg Hach in the race for the 3rd Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi and covers parts of Nassau County and Queens. Trump had previously endorsed former state Assemblyman Mike LiPetri in February. The split places two of the GOP’s most recognizable figures on opposite sides of a competitive primary contest.
Giuliani announced his support for Hach during an appearance on his podcast, “America’s Mayor Live.” He praised Hach as one of the strongest candidates he has seen in a long time and urged Republican voters to support him. Hach has positioned himself as an outsider candidate and has committed $1 million of his own money to the campaign. The endorsement gives his campaign a significant boost heading into the final days before voting concludes.
The former mayor indicated that his backing of Hach was personal. Giuliani suggested that New York Republican leaders had treated Hach unfairly, comparing the situation to what happened to his son, Andrew Giuliani, during the 2022 gubernatorial race. At that time, most of the state’s Republican establishment rallied behind former Rep. Lee Zeldin instead of Andrew Giuliani. Zeldin ultimately won the primary and went on to become the GOP nominee for governor.
Hach welcomed the endorsement and praised Giuliani’s leadership record. He called the former mayor a true American hero and said receiving his support was one of the greatest honors of his life. Hach pointed to Giuliani’s role in leading New York City through difficult periods and said he hopes to bring a similar spirit of reform to Washington. He also argued that the current political system is broken and unaffordable for many families.
The Republican candidate made clear that defeating Rep. Tom Suozzi remains his top priority. Hach said voters deserve better representation and pledged to challenge what he views as a corrupt and ineffective political system. His campaign has centered on themes of affordability, accountability and change. He has also sought to distinguish himself from establishment-backed candidates in the race.
Despite Giuliani’s support, Hach faces a difficult path forward. Trump’s endorsement record in Republican primaries has been exceptionally strong this election cycle, with most of his endorsed candidates securing victories. LiPetri also enjoys the backing of the influential Nassau County Republican Party organization. Those advantages make him the favorite entering the final days of the campaign.
Nassau County Republican Party Chairman Joseph Cairo dismissed Giuliani’s endorsement and reaffirmed support for LiPetri. Cairo said local Republicans are standing with President Trump and his chosen candidate. He praised LiPetri’s support for the administration’s priorities, including border security and tax relief measures. Party leaders are hoping Trump’s influence with GOP voters will prove decisive.
The race now enters its final stretch with early voting continuing through June 21 and Primary Day set for June 23. The outcome will determine which Republican will challenge Suozzi in November for one of New York’s most competitive congressional districts. The contest also highlights divisions within the Republican Party between establishment support and insurgent candidates. Meanwhile, Giuliani, 82, continues to recover after battling a serious case of pneumonia that reportedly left him in a coma last month.