Politics & Government

Patch AM Rewind: 'Outsider' Student On Primary Ballot For Congress

Joshua Chan, 20, is one of the Democrats campaigning for Tom Suozzi's congressional seat.

Joshua Chan, a college student transferring to SUNY Albany, is running to succeed Tom Suozzi in Congress.
Joshua Chan, a college student transferring to SUNY Albany, is running to succeed Tom Suozzi in Congress. (Jerry Barmash/Patch)

BRENTWOOD, NY — The field is deep with Democratic candidates looking to succeed Tom Suozzi in Congress.

Joshua Chan, a 20-year-old college student, transferring to SUNY Albany in the fall with a major in political science, is among the primary ballot challengers.

"We learn things in textbooks and classrooms, but getting hands-on experience... running a campaign to help the people is just really what we need now," Chan, a guest on Monday's "Patch AM," said. "We look at things like outsider candidates. I'm perfectly poised to take on that idea."

Find out what's happening in Brentwood-Central Islipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Chan is from Brentwood, which is not within the 3rd Congressional District.

However, the neophyte politician points to why he's the best choice for voters.

Find out what's happening in Brentwood-Central Islipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I'm best suited to run and win the primary because we need people like me back up there," he said.

Among the several candidates vying to win the primary, Chan is focusing his attention on Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan, who is 28.

"It's not that I want to attack him, but I want to make sure he's held accountable for things he's voted upon," he said of his opponent.

You can watch the full Patch AM interview below.



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