BROOKHAVEN, N.Y. – Greek-American George Demos’ campaign for Congress received a boost on March 7, as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorsed him, the Demos campaign announced in a press release.

Demos is running for the Congressional seat in New York’s First District, which comprises much of Long Island’s Suffolk County. The incumbent is Democrat Tim Bishop, who won the seat from Republican Felix Grucci in 2002 and has held it ever since.

Demos ran for the same seat in 2010, but never had the opportunity to challenge Bishop in the general election, falling short in the Republican Primary.

This time, joining former New York Governor George Pataki, Giuliani endorsed Demos over the establishment favorite, NY State Senator Lee Zeldin.

The campaign has already released a web video of Giuliani speaking on his behalf. Demos told TNH “we are very honored that Mayor Giuliani has joined Governor Pataki in endorsing our campaign,” adding to its momentum.

“George Demos is a fiscal conservative who says what he believes and believes what he says,” said Giuliani. “As a former prosecutor, he knows the good guys from the bad. He will rattle the cages of the establishment. He’ll make a difference. And George would never support Obamacare. His voice will be heard in the halls of Congress, and I predict, throughout America,” he added.

“I am impressed with George, his passion, his intellect, and his integrity. I am proud to endorse his candidacy and prouder still to call him a friend. George Demos is one of us. And it’s time for George Demos for Congress.”

Grateful for the endorsement, Demos said: “Rudy Giuliani has built a reputation well deserved for integrity, courage and intellect. Having his endorsement means the world to Chrysa and me and indicates once again that this year we will be successful in bringing about the change the people of Long Island and the people of America want to see. I thank the Mayor for his belief in me.”

The First District is a tough political battleground, comprising an array of neighborhoods and demographics, from low-to-middle income areas, to rural farmland, to the wealthy Hamptons. It is neither solidly Democrat nor solidly Republican, most recently evidenced by the 2012 presidential election results: Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney by just one percentage point in the district.

Demos is communicating with voters through direct mail, and numerous ads on TV and radio, but he said “more importantly, I’m working hard going door to door with registered Republican several hours a day.”

He is looking forward distinguishing himself from his opponent through debates, however. “Our campaign challenged Mr. Zeldin to a debate on Obamacare given that he voted for it in the New York State Legislature, and they have not responded to our request…but I am confident there will be debates,” he said.

Demos calls the success of the campaign “tremendous” so far. As of the last campaign finance filing he had raised $200,000 and he has put in $2 million of his own. He will travel to Washington, DC on March 24 for a fundraiser in hosted by Congressman Gus Bilirakis.