Democrat Tom Suozzi wins N.Y. special election to replace George Santos
Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York special election to fill former Rep. George Santos's seat in the House, defeating Republican Mazi Pilip.
WOODBURY, N.Y. — Democratic former Rep. Tom Suozzi is heading back to Congress after he won the special election in New York’s 3rd District to replace former GOP Rep. George Santos, NBC News projects.
Suozzi’s victory Tuesday over Republican Mazi Pilip cuts Republicans’ already razor-thin House majority by one seat, making legislating even more difficult moving forward. And it could provide a guide for Democrats competing in similar competitive districts this fall, especially when it comes to navigating their political vulnerability on immigration and border security.
The Democrat may seek to be sworn into Congress as early as Thursday, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking. If not, he may have to wait until the end of the month after the House takes an extended recess for President's Day.
At his victory party Tuesday night, Suozzi thanked a long list of supporters and aides and ran through some of the attacks he faced in the hard-fought contest.
"Despite all the lies about Tom Suozzi and the Squad, about Tom Suozzi being the godfather of the migrant crisis, about 'Sanctuary Suozzi,' despite the dirty tricks, despite the vaunted Nassau County Republican machine: We won," he said to applause.
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