(IntegrityTimes.com) – On Tuesday February 13, former Mayor of Glen Cove, former Nassau County Executive, and former holder of the office to which he was just elected, Democrat Tom Suozzi beat out the Republican nominee, Mazi Pilip, to fill George Santos’ vacated seat for the New York’s 3rd congressional district. With this win, the Democrats now hold 213 seats, with the Republicans at 219 and 3 vacant seats remaining. This narrows the margin of control of the house which could make things more difficult for the Republicans.
Many of his supporters found his long experience in government and his historically moderate leadership reassuring in this polarized political climate. His recent remarks about immigration reform and a more secure border signaled a willingness to shift away from hard adherence to the general Democrat party stance and may have helped in an election year where illegal immigration is of increasingly concern to the public.
His Republican opponent, Pilip, is serving in New York’s Nassau County Legislature representing Nassau County, Long Island’s 10th district. Her opponents tried to paint her as a MAGA extremist, although she hasn’t publicly endorsed his presidential candidacy. Another concern for Democrats and moderates involved Pilip’s stated pro-life stance, which may have cost her votes. While she says she does not support a federal ban, many still have concerns that she may support local measures to restrict abortion.
The Democrats also greatly outspent the Republicans in the race with a difference of $15 million to $8 million. This is unusually high for a special election, which often have much lower voter turnout as well. Everything about this race seemed unusual, from George Santos being expelled on a slew of federal charges related to alleged fraud and campaign finance violations to a snowstorm that blanketed Long Island, which may have affected voter turnout. Beginning February 28, Suozzi will serve out the rest of Santos’ term with the next election for the seat taking place in January 2025.
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