Democrats win back George Santos seat

Democrat Tom Suozzi won back his former seat, defeating Republican Mazi Melesa Pilip.

Suozzi campaigned on a platform of compromise and common-sense governance, while Pilip focused on immigration and crime issues.

The election was a close one, with Suozzi winning by a margin of about 4,000 votes out of more than 200,000 cast. The race was triggered by the expulsion of former Republican Rep. George Santos, who was indicted on fraud charges last December.

Suozzi’s victory narrows the Republican majority in the House and gives Democrats some momentum for the 2024 midterm elections.

Who is Tom Suozzi?

Tom Suozzi is an American politician, attorney, and accountant who is the representative-elect for New York’s 3rd congressional district.

He served as the U.S. representative for the same seat from 2017 to 2023, before retiring to run for governor of New York in 2022.

He lost the Democratic primary to Kathy Hochul, but decided to run again for his old congressional seat in 2024. He won the special election on February 13, 2024, defeating Republican Mazi Pilip.

He is a member of the Democratic Party and a supporter of compromise and common-sense governance.