The special election to fill the remainder of former Rep. George Santos’ term is being seen as a bellwether for both parties for November.
Former Democratic Rep. and Republican Nassau County legislator are facing off Tuesday in the special election to finish the term of former GOP Rep. George Santos, who has been on charges including credit card fraud and aggravated identity theft and in December. Who’s running in the special election for George Santos’ former seat?
Suozzi formerly held the seat, leaving after three terms for an unsuccessful run against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2022 New York governor’s race.
Pilip, who was born in Ethiopian and raised in Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces, had been a registered Democrat but told her views align with the Republican Party. She also said that she did not vote between 2016-2020 and does not support a national abortion ban. Pilip is a strong proponent of support for Israel.NY-03 and the House balance of power
There are currently 219 Republicans and 212 Democrats in the House, with four vacancies. This means that if every member is present and voting, the Republican majority can only afford to lose three votes on any bill. Last week, Homeland Security Secretary because they lost three votes, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise was absent because he was undergoing cancer treatment.
A Suozzi victory would mean that Republicans would only be able to lose two votes. And if Pilip prevails, Republicans would still only be able to lose three votes if all members are present.
For Democrats hoping to take back the House in November, the New York seat’s moderate leanings could be a bellwether for their chances.
Democrats and Republicans alike have poured millions into the race to bombard the airwaves with TV ads. Suozzi and affiliated Democratic groups have spent $13.8 million on advertising, with nearly $6 million from the House Majority PAC. Pilip and affiliated Republican groups have spent $8.1 million on ads.
Early voter turnout slightly favored Democrats, with 24,000 Democrats, 19,876 Republicans and 11,468 unaffiliated voters casting ballots, according to the Nassau County Board of Elections. Will snowstorm affect turnout?
Tuesday’s turnout could be affected by a major snowstorm, which could bring up to 8 inches of snow.
“I think it’s going to be a close, close election and now you throw 5-8 inches of snow on top of it, everything is upset,” said Brian Browne, a political science professor at St.
