Democrat Tom Suozzi Wins Special Election To Replace Santos

Santos loses re-election bid in New York's 3rd Congressional District

Democrat Tom Suozzi wins special election to replace Santos

Santos' short and tumultuous congressional career comes to an end

WASHINGTON (AP) - The epilogue to Republican George Santos' short and tumultuous congressional career was written Tuesday as Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election to replace him in New York's 3rd Congressional District.

Suozzi, a former congressman, defeated Republican Robert Zimmerman in the race to fill the seat that Santos vacated after he resigned in January amid mounting ethics and campaign finance investigations.

Santos, who is facing multiple criminal investigations, was elected to the House in November 2022 but was never sworn into office due to the investigations. He resigned on January 25, 2023, after admitting to fabricating parts of his resume and campaign finances.

Suozzi's victory is a major setback for Republicans, who had hoped to hold onto the seat in the heavily Democratic district. The district is located on Long Island and includes parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Suozzi, 59, is a former Nassau County executive and congressman. He served in the House from 2017 to 2023, when he lost his re-election bid to Republican Andrew Garbarino.

Zimmerman, 64, is a businessman and former Hempstead Town supervisor. He was the Republican nominee for governor of New York in 2018, but he lost to incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo.

The special election was held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Suozzi defeated Zimmerman by a margin of 53% to 47%.

Suozzi's victory is a boost for Democrats, who are looking to gain control of the House in the 2024 elections.