Democrats have flipped a seat in the House after a special election in New York on Tuesday, Feb. 13, to replace former Republican Congressman George Santos, who was expelled last year. Democrat Tom Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip in New York’s 3rd Congressional District, narrowing the GOP’s already slim majority in the chamber of 219-213.
“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,” Suozzi said during his victory speech.
Voters battled through a winter storm to make it to the polls. With 93% of the votes in, Suozzi won 54% compared to 46% for Pilip. Suozzi is returning to the House after giving up his seat in 2022 to run for Governor.
“The people of Queens and Long Island are sick and tired of political bickering,” Suozzi said. “They want us to come together and solve problems.”
During Suozzi’s victory speech, a protester accusing him of supporting genocide in Gaza ran on stage with a Palestinian flag but was quickly removed according to reports.
According to NBC reporting, Suozzi could seek to be sworn into the House of Representatives as early as Thursday, Feb. 15. If Suozzi is not sworn in on Thursday, Feb. 15, he may have to wait until the House gets back from the extended recess for President’s Day.
