Trump-backed House hopeful faces primary challenge

Gregory Hach says he qualifies for ballot against Trump-endorsed candidate

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:37am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a fragmented, repeating image of a politician's podium or lectern, rendered in bold, clashing colors that convey a sense of political tension and uncertainty.A fractured, high-energy illustration captures the political tension and uncertainty surrounding a primary challenge to a Trump-backed House candidate.Washington Today

A lawyer and political newcomer named Gregory Hach has announced that he will challenge the Trump-endorsed Republican candidate in the upcoming primary election for New York's 3rd Congressional District, which is currently held by Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi.

Why it matters

This primary race is seen as an early test of former President Trump's influence within the Republican Party, as his preferred candidate faces an insurgent challenger. The outcome could signal the strength of Trump's political endorsement power heading into the 2024 election cycle.

The details

Hach, a political newcomer, has declared that he has gathered enough signatures to qualify for the June 23 Republican primary ballot, setting up a potential clash with the Trump-backed candidate. The winner of the Republican primary will then face off against the incumbent Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi in the general election.

  • The Republican primary election is scheduled for June 23, 2026.
  • The general election for New York's 3rd Congressional District will take place in November 2026.

The players

Gregory Hach

A lawyer and political newcomer who is challenging the Trump-endorsed Republican candidate in the primary election for New York's 3rd Congressional District.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has endorsed a candidate in the Republican primary for New York's 3rd Congressional District.

Tom Suozzi

The incumbent Democratic Congressman representing New York's 3rd Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“A primary election is exactly what democracy looks like at its finest.”

— Gregory Hach, Lawyer and Republican primary challenger

What’s next

The Republican primary election on June 23 will determine who will face off against the incumbent Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi in the November 2026 general election.

The takeaway

This primary race will be an early test of former President Trump's political influence within the Republican Party, as his preferred candidate faces a challenge from a political newcomer. The outcome could signal the strength of Trump's endorsement power heading into the 2024 election cycle.