Former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi has officially entered the race for the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Steve Israel.

The 3rd District covers much of Nassau and Suffolk's North Shore, and also part of Queens, which is where Suozzi spent Sunday afternoon. The Democrat earned the endorsement of Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. "He has shown himself to be a true fighter, not only for reform, but for legislation and for getting things done," Katz said.

But Suozzi is one candidate in an already crowded Democratic primary field, and the party chairmen in all three counties have not yet endorsed any candidates, so the race remains somewhat wide open.

Former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman recently resigned as chairman of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority to run for the seat. North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Anna Kaplan officially entered the race Sunday as well. And Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern has earned the endorsements of several other elected officials in his home county.

In a statement, Stern said, "To continue Steve Israel's legacy, we must nominate a bold progressive who puts taxpayers first. That's why I've held the line on taxes. And why I've cut my own pay and refused perks, and instead focused on improving the lives of seniors, veterans, and middle class families. We need someone who will stand up to the Tea Party extreme in Congress, who'll work to break through the gridlock and deliver results."

There are also at least five candidates vying for the Republican nomination in the Congressional race ahead of the June primary elections.

As News 12 has reported, Israel announced in January that he would not seek re-election, and would instead pursue new passions and work on a second book.