Tom Suozzi wins Santos seat over Maji Pilip, CNN reports

CNN
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CNN predicts that former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi will win a special election in New York state to replace disgraced Republican George Santos, further shrinking House Republicans’ slim majority. ing.

Although Suozzi’s victory over Republican Maji Pilip does not affect control of the House, the result still has major implications for Republicans. Republicans hold a narrow 219-212 House majority and can afford to lose just three votes on partisan policies. Further narrowing of profit margins could be key in future legislative battles over government funding and other issues.

The special election for the Long Island-based 3rd Congressional District could also serve as a bellwether for other suburban races this fall. Republicans will flip several House seats in the New York City metropolitan area in 2022, including the 3rd District, and the state is poised to once again become the focus of a battle for control of Congress.

The special election’s central issues could also determine this year’s general election, including immigration, abortion rights, the Israel-Hamas war, and candidates’ stances on President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Mr. Suozzi, 61, has been a longtime contributor to local politics in Nassau County. A moderate, he previously served as Mayor of Glen Cove and Nassau County Executive, and three terms representing the early 3rd District. Mr. Santos ultimately vacated his seat in 2022 in an unsuccessful gubernatorial race, and Mr. Santos ended up flipping the district that fall.

Pilip, 44, is a member of the Nassau County Legislature and was running for federal office for the first time. She is an Israeli immigrant. She was born in Ethiopia and she served in the Israel Defense Forces.

Under New York State special election rules, both candidates were selected by county party leaders in their districts.

In December, Santos became the sixth lawmaker to be expelled from Congress, ending a tumultuous tenure in the Capitol that was plagued by scandal. He faces 23 federal charges, including allegations that he stole the identities of donors and fraudulently charged thousands of dollars to credit cards, misused campaign funds, and lied about his personal finances on a House disclosure report. He maintains his innocence. He could go on trial later this year.

With his victory in the special election, Mr. Suozzi will complete the remainder of Mr. Santos’ term, which ends in January.

The regular full-year primaries are held in June. However, the New York State Supreme Court ordered the state’s congressional maps to be redrawn this year, so district boundaries after the special election remain unclear. The state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature will have the final say on the new course.

CNN’s David Wright contributed to this report.