Former Democratic congressman Tom Suozzi won a special election Tuesday to replace ousted New York Republican congressman George Santos, according to the Associated Press.
In New York's 3rd Congressional District, which represents part of Long Island, Suozzi defeated Republican candidate Maji Melesa Pillip 58.7% to 41.3%, the Associated Press reported. projected At the time of writing. The former congressman previously held Santos' seat for three terms and ran unsuccessfully in the 2022 Democratic primary for governor.
former member of parliament launched Bids for the seat took place in early October, about two months before Santos was ousted. Santos was indicted on two counts of fraud and fired on December 1 after the House Ethics Committee released a damning report.
Pillip previously served on the Nassau County Legislature before being elected to run for office in mid-December. A Republican, she immigrated to the United States after serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). according to Go to the campaign site. (Related: Latest polls complicate Republicans' chances of winning special elections in floating districts)
Maji Melesa Pillip (C), a U.S. Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York's 3rd District, votes early at a polling place in Massapequa, along with Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (R), a former U.S. House of Representatives candidate. Standing with Congressman Peter King (Republican of New York), New York, February 9, 2024. (ADAM GRAY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Democratic groups outspent Republicans on campaign advertising; Suozzi It also paid more than $1.6 million pilip heading into the special election, according to Federal Election Commission data. The former congressman raised a total of $4.5 million during his time as a candidate, while Pillip raised $1.3 million.
Immigration was the top issue among voters in the battleground district, which President Joe Biden won by 8 points in 2020. Republicans focused much of their advertising on attacking Suozzi over the issue, while Democrats sought to portray Pilip as a member of the “MAGA” movement.
The Biden administration has seen record numbers of illegal border crossings, and immigration continues to be a concern for voters across the country. Americans are more likely to trust former President Donald Trump than Biden to handle this issue.
siena college investigation A poll released on February 8 showed Mr. Suozzi leading Mr. Pilip among likely voters, 48% to 44%, but the same poll showed Mr. Trump leading Mr. Biden by 5 points in the district. It turned out that there was. An earlier Emerson College poll showed the former congressman with a 3-point lead among registered voters, and a 14-point lead when only those who are “very likely” to participate in the special election are included.
The Cook Political Report states: characteristic Vacancies in the “Toss Up'' category for 2024.
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