Long Islanders and elected officials traveled to Chicago last week to put Nassau’s stamp on the Democratic National Convention where thousands rallied around presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her vice presidential running mate, Tim Walz.
The convention featured the Who’s Who of the Democratic Party, with speakers including elected officials from across the nation and various organization representatives.
Among the speakers was U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D–Glen Cove), who spoke for the first time at a convention in front of the 25,000 attendees. His speech centered on the issue of immigration, which he successfully campaigned on earlier this year in a special election to replace ousted Rep. George Santos.
Suozzi, who used to hold the seat representing New York’s Third Congressional District, flipped the seat from red to blue in February’s special election. His feat was met with cheers from the crowd at the DNC.
The congressman called for bipartisan solutions to address border security, a call that he has made throughout his campaign and first six months back in office. He urged unity in this pursuit, working together through difficulties to enjoy the times of joy.
“Tonight we celebrate the roses of life,” Suozzi said. “We come together from every state, from every ethnicity, from every race and religion. We come together tonight to celebrate our candidate Kamala Harris.”
Long Islanders also attending the convention, included Nassau resident Lauren Summa who called the experience “unforgettable.” Summa previously served as the Nassau County Young Democrats President and has worked in various campaigns.
“Meeting national, state, and local elected officials, all coming together with energy and excitement, has been truly inspiring,” Summa said in a text to the paper. “The Democratic National Convention and the state and local Democratic Party did an excellent job ensuring that young people like myself were included in the process, and our events were the hottest ticket in town.”
Summa said this year’s convention feels even more significant with the nomination of Harris and the inspiration it provides for girls and women across the country.
“Seeing Kamala Harris as a beacon of hope and inspiration for our country shows that the sky is the limit for girls everywhere—you can be anything you want to be in this great country, even president of the United States,” Summa wrote. “As one of the younger members, I am incredibly proud to be part of this historic week in Chicago. As a young woman and future leader, I am eager to contribute to a successful and inclusive future.”
