U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York took the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, looking to tackle an issue that has dogged liberals this election season: immigration.

Suozzi was re-elected to his former congressional seat in New York’s 3rd district in February after Rep. George Santos was ousted from office. Democratic leadership has said that Suozzi won his special election, in part, because of his willingness to move to the center on the issue of immigration.

Suozzi emphasized his own immigrant background during his speech. He said that Vice President Kamala Harris would work to secure the border while also honoring the United States’ history as a nation of immigrants.

The Democratic National Committee convention is in Chicago from Monday, Aug. 19 to Thursday, Aug. 22. Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday is scheduled to formally accept the party’s nomination for the 2024 Election.

What to know about Rep. Tom Suozzi

• Who is he: U.S. Rep Tom Suozzi, a Democrat, has served New York’s 3rd congressional district since 2024 and previously from 2017 to 2023.
• What his role is: Suozzi focused much of his most recent bid for office on the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. He campaigned on reforming the immigration system and increasing enforcement along the border. He said that it was Republicans, encouraged by former President Donald Trump, who killed the bipartisan immigration bill that had made its way through Congress last session.
• Key quote: “You can’t have the roses without the thorns, you have to work for it.”