In a significant political development, former Democratic Representative Tom Suozzi is projected to secure victory in the high-stakes special election in New York, succeeding the embattled Republican George Santos, according to CNN. This outcome is set to further diminish the already slim majority of the House GOP.
Despite Suozzi’s triumph over Republican contender Mazi Pilip not altering the balance of power in the House, the result carries substantial implications for the GOP. The party currently holds a narrow 219-212 majority in the chamber, with a margin so thin that the loss of just three votes on any partisan measure could be decisive. This tightened margin could play a pivotal role in the forthcoming legislative skirmishes over government funding and other key issues.
The special election for the Long Island-based 3rd Congressional District may also act as a political barometer for other suburban races later this year. The GOP managed to flip several House seats across the New York City metropolitan area in 2022, including the 3rd District, positioning the state as a potential battleground in the fight for Congress control once again.
The core issues of the special election, encompassing immigration, abortion rights, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the candidates’ attitudes towards both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, could set the tone for this year’s general election.
At 61, Suozzi is a seasoned player in Nassau County politics. A moderate Democrat, his political career includes stints as Glen Cove mayor and Nassau County executive, and three terms representing an earlier version of the 3rd District. He left the seat in 2022 for an unsuccessful gubernatorial run, which led to Santos flipping the district that fall.
Pilip, 44, a Nassau County legislator and Israeli immigrant born in Ethiopia, was making her debut in the race for federal office. Her background includes service in the Israel Defense Forces.
Under New York’s special election rules, both candidates were chosen by county party leaders in the district. Santos, whose tenure on Capitol Hill was marred by scandal and controversy, became the sixth lawmaker to be expelled from Congress in December. He has pleaded not guilty to 23 federal charges, including allegations of identity theft, misuse of campaign funds, and false reporting of personal finances on House disclosure reports. He is expected to face trial later this year.
With his special election victory, Suozzi will complete the remainder of Santos’ term, which concludes in January. The primary for the full term will take place in June. However, the district’s boundaries beyond the special election are yet to be determined, as New York’s highest court has mandated the state to redraw its congressional map this year. The state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature will have the final say over the new lines.
Contributions to this report were made by CNN’s David Wright.