Democrats seize back disgraced George Santos’s congressional seat

Democrat Tom Suozzi has won a special election for the House seat that was left vacant when disgraced ex-lawmaker George Santos was expelled from Congress.

Mr Suozzi handily defeated Mazi Pilip to narrow Republicans’ majority in the House to 219-213.

His victory speech was briefly interrupted when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the stage at his campaign headquarters on Long Island.

The protesters shouted “you support genocide”, before being dragged off stage and drowned out by chants of “Suozzi, Suozzi” from supporters.

When he did begin speaking, Mr Suozzi emphasised his credentials as a pragmatic centrist who would be an effective representative in Washington DC.

Voters had to contend with up to six inches of snow and strong winds, and both candidates offered supporters free rides to the polls in a last-ditch push to beat the elements.

The by-election had shaped up as a bellwether for how suburban voters may cast their ballots in the 2024 general election.

The seat had been up for grabs after Mr Santos was expelled from Congress in December last year when he was exposed as a serial fabulist. He has been charged with felony fraud and dishonesty offences.

Key Points

• Suozzi defeats Mazi Pilip

• George Santos trolls Republicans

• House votes to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas

• Pro-Palestinian supporters storm stage during Suozzi victory speech

• Who is Democrat Tom Suozzi

Who are NY-03 voters?

Tuesday 13 February 2024 13:45 , Rachel Sharp

New York’s 3rd Congressional district straddles the New York borough of Queens and Nassau County in Long Island and was the nation’s fourth wealthiest by median household income in 2022.

An estimated 11 per cent of the voting population are Jewish.

The Israel-Hamas conflict stirred high emotions in the district, and both candidates have pledged unwavering support for the US ally.

He might have been booted out of Congress, but Santos just can’t help weighing in...

Tuesday 13 February 2024 14:05 , Rachel Sharp

Winter storm threatens voter turnout

Tuesday 13 February 2024 14:30 , Ariana Baio

A winter storm currently dumping inches of snow onto parts of Long Island is being watched closely today as voters in New York’s 3rd Congressional District head out to the polls in the special election to replace George Santos.

The heavy snow and slick roads may pose a problem for Republicans as they’re less likely to vote early by mail than Democrats.

Mazi Pilip, the Republican candidate, urged potential voters on Monday night to get out and vote regardless of the weather.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s going to rain or snow, we’re going to safety – will go out,” Ms Pilip said.

Poll shows tight race to take over disgraced congressman George Santos’s seat

Tuesday 13 February 2024 15:00 , Ariana Baio

A new poll shows a tight race between the two New York candidates running to replace disgraced former Rep George Santos in Congress.

According to the Newsday/Siena College poll put out on Thursday, 48 per cent of likely voters support former Democratic Rep Tom Suozzi, and 44 per cent support Republican candidate Mazi Melesa Pilip. Another 7 per cent are undecided.

The neck-and-neck findings come days before the special election on 13 February, for which early voting has already begun.

Julia Reinstein reports:

New poll shows tight race to take over George Santos’ seat

Immigration among top issues in special election

Tuesday 13 February 2024 15:36 , Ariana Baio

The race to replace ousted New York congressman George Santos is on and among the issues voters are looking at, a top one is immigration.

Supports of both Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican Mazi Melesa Pilip told NPR that the recent influx of migrants into New York City has impacted parts of Congressional District 3. That are includes neighbourhoods of Queens and Nassau County, Long Island.

Mr Suozzi has spoken to the immigration system in his campaign, pointing to his record on being in the “problem solver’s caucus” as proof that he will work across the aisle to get legislation passed. Mr Suozzi supports the bipartisan immigration proposal recently passed in the Senate.

Meanwhile, Ms Pilip spent time blaming Mr Suozzi and President Joe Biden for allowing migrants to enter the US-Mexico border.

Tuesday 13 February 2024 16:00 , Bevan Hurley

Tuesday’s by-election in New York’s 3rd Congressional to replace the scandal-plagued, federally indicted former Congressman George Santos has largely turned into a national referendum on immigration, abortion, Donald Trump and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Democratic veteran Tom Suozzi, 61, and the GOP’s Mazi Pilip have spent around $20m on negative adverts that have bombarded local news channels and sportscasts, and even ran during Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Mr Suozzi has tried to paint Ms Pilip, a 44-year-old Ethiopian-born, Israeli-American Nassau County legislator, as an extremist, Santos 2.0.

He claims she is unvetted and untested in Washington DC, and that she has refused to give a straight answer on whether she would support a national bill to protect womens’ reproductive rights.

Republican ad spots have tied Mr Suozzi to Democratic failures to rein in illegal immigration, the dominant issue on voters’ minds in the district, according to an Emerson poll in January.

What used to be a Democratic stronghold has in recent years turned into a Republican-leaning bellwether for how suburban districts across the country could vote in November’s general election. Recent polling suggests the race is a statistical dead heat.

What time do polls close?

Tuesday 13 February 2024 16:15 , Ariana Baio

New York’s special election to fill George Santos’s seat in the 3rd Congressional District is underway today from 6am until 9pm EST.

Polls will close at 9pm and results are expected to roll in shortly after.

Watch: George Santos: The imposter in Congress

Tuesday 13 February 2024 16:30 , Ariana Baio

Candidates offer ride assistance to voters

Tuesday 13 February 2024 17:00 , Ariana Baio

Democratic candidate Tom Suozzi and Republican candidate Mazi Pilip are offering car service to voters who need it so they can get out and cast their ballot in New York’s special election, amid a snowstorm.

On X, Mr Suozi said that those who are in need of transportation can fill out a form or call his team and they will arrange a driver to bring them to a polling location.

Ms Pilip offered similar service, saying anyone in need of free transportation can call her campaign and set up a ride.

Tribal divisions trump George Santos scandals in knife-edge New York special election

Tuesday 13 February 2024 17:30 , Ariana Baio

Tuesday’s by-election in New York’s 3rd Congressional to replace the scandal-plagued, federally indicted former Congressman George Santos has largely turned into a national referendum on immigration, abortion, Donald Trump and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Democratic veteran Tom Suozzi, 61, and the GOP’s Mazi Pilip have spent around $20m on negative adverts that have bombarded local news channels and sportscasts, and even ran during Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Bevan Hurley reports:

Tribal divisions trump Santos’ scandals in knife-edge New York special election

Election could impact House majority

Tuesday 13 February 2024 18:00 , Ariana Baio

New York’s 3rd Congressional District seat is up for grabs today and the outcome of the special election could impact the House of Representatives majority.

At the moment, Republicans hold a minor majority over Democrats – just 219 Republcians to 212 Democrats.

But if Tom Suozzi, the Democratic candidate, wins he would add another seat for the Democrat’s which could be critical in helping pass legislation. Every vote matters and counts and last week was a prime example.

The House failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas because factions of the House GOP have broken off from the majority or leadership.

George Santos and the fascinating psychology of compulsive liars

Tuesday 13 February 2024 18:30 , Ariana Baio

Anyone who’s taken a passing look at the news lately knows about the short, ill-fated political career of George Santos. Charged with crimes ranging from false statements to fraud, the former golden boy of the Republican Party was ousted by his own colleagues in December. How did it all go so wrong?

Holly Baxter writes:

George Santos and the fascinating psychology of compulsive liars

New York Times columnist says Pilip ‘isn’t up to the job’

Tuesday 13 February 2024 18:30 , Bevan Hurley

Writing in the New York Times today, editorial board member Mara Gay writes that GOP candidate Mazi Pilip has raised too many red flags during the campaign to merit voters’ trust.

“Again and again, Pilip, a Democrat-turned-Republican, could not seem to stake out a consistent position on any of the issues that matter to voters in this moderate district, which is east of New York City,” Ms Gay writes.

“She has talked a big game about strengthening the southern U.S. border, to stem the tide of migrants to the New York City region, yet said she opposed the bipartisan bill before Congress that would do exactly that.”

Ms Gay contends that the Republican misled voters on her positions on gun safety and abortion, and says the election is a choice between a “responsible public servant” in Tom Suozzi and another “partisan provocateur”.

Is New York’s special election really a bellwether for November?

Tuesday 13 February 2024 19:00 , Bevan Hurley

New York’s 3rd Congressional district is the fourth richest in the country, and comprises many wealthy hamlets across northern Long Island.

Political observers have stated that Tuesday’s special election could provide clues to how suburban voters might go for in November’s general election.

But not everyone is convinced that NY03 will have broader implications beyond Long Island.

“My sense is that there are a number of candidate-specific issues and some local context that would make this a tough case from which to conclude much about national trends, despite the fact that congressional elections have become more ‘national’ in recent years,” Syracuse University political science professor Grant Reeher told The Independent in a statement.

“Among those candidate and local issues are the fact that Suozzi is a very well-known figure, and has a record as a county executive, and further, has staked out a more moderate place within the Democratic Party.

“And then, as you note, there's the Republican baggage of Santos. The 2022 Democratic congressional candidates were weighed down by an association with the governor and the state Democratic Party, and concerns about crime and safety — whether that carries through to this election is another factor. So there are a lot of moving parts beyond general national party politics,” he said.

Suozzi hammers Pilip over border security in election eve interview

Tuesday 13 February 2024 19:30 , Bevan Hurley

Tom Suozzi used his final interview before today’s special election to go after Mazi Pilip over her opposition to a bipartisan border security bill.

Mr Suzzi told CNN’s Erin Burnett that voters were crying out for both parties to work together to solve the important issued facing the United States.

“By not supporting that deal, you’re keeping the border open and bringing more migrants to New York… People are sick of that. People want us working together.”

Voters battling the elements to get to the polls in NY03

Tuesday 13 February 2024 20:00 , Bevan Hurley

Voters in New York’s 3rd Congressional district have been battling the elements to get to the polls in today’s special election.

Parts of Long Island have seen up to six inches of snow on Tuesday, and city officials warned against making all but essential travel.

Both candidates have been offering their voters rides to polling stations.

You can follow live updates on The Independent’s blog here. Here are some images of the blizzard from around New York City.

Suozzi to hold 3.30pm press conference to address low voter turnout

Tuesday 13 February 2024 20:31 , Bevan Hurley

Tom Suozzi’s campaign have just announced they are holding a 3.30pm press conference to address low voter turnout from the heavy snowfall.

We’ll be bringing updates from the press conference.

Polls will close at 9pm and results are expected to roll in shortly after.

The snow has stopped and the roads are clear in NY-03

Tuesday 13 February 2024 21:00 , Bevan Hurley

The roads around New York’s 3rd Congressional district have been largely cleared of snow and both campaigns are making a final pitch for voters to get to the polls.

Mr Suozzi posted a video at about 2.30pm encouraging voters to head out to the polls before they close at 9pm.

“There’s too much at stake in this election to stay home,” Ms Pilip’s campaign wrote in a post on X.

The candidates have been offering free rides to voters to make it to one of the dozens of local polling stations.

Tribal divisions trump George Santos scandals in knife-edge New York special election

Tuesday 13 February 2024 21:30 , Bevan Hurley

Tuesday’s by-election in New York’s 3rd Congressional to replace the scandal-plagued, federally indicted former Congressman George Santos has largely turned into a national referendum on immigration, abortion, Donald Trump and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Democratic veteran Tom Suozzi, 61, and the GOP’s Mazi Pilip have spent around $20m on negative adverts that have bombarded local news channels and sportscasts, and even ran during Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Tribal divisions trump Santos’ scandals in knife-edge New York special election

Votes trickling in after snowstorm disrupts New York special election

Tuesday 13 February 2024 21:54 , Bevan Hurley

The roads in New York’s 3rd district have largely been cleared of snow, and voter turnout is finally starting to pick up after this morning’s blizzard.

Michael Pruser, an elections analyst, wrote that by mid-afternoon just over 33,000 people had voted in Nassau County, and around 6,000 had cast a ballot in Queens.

Of the Nassau voters, roughly 12,000 were registered Republicans, 11,500 Democrats, and 6,700 independents.

Mr Suozzi had a sizable pre-election day lead from mail in and early voting.

George Santos and the fascinating psychology of compulsive liars

Tuesday 13 February 2024 22:30 , Bevan Hurley

Anyone who’s taken a passing look at the news lately knows about the short, ill-fated political career of George Santos. Charged with crimes ranging from false statements to fraud, the former golden boy of the Republican Party was ousted by his own colleagues in December. How did it all go so wrong?

Holly Baxter writes:

George Santos and the fascinating psychology of compulsive liars

Candidates in final push to get voters to the polls

Tuesday 13 February 2024 22:50 , Bevan Hurley

In a series of Facebook live videos, Democrat Tom Suozzi has been imploring his supporters to head to the polls in a sign of just how close the race for New York’s 3rd district is likely to be.

With heavy snow falling across the district during the morning, voter turnout in the race to replace George Santos has been very low, according to figures released by NYC’s Board of Elections.

Figures from polling booths in Queens and Nassau County show that turnout began picking up from mid-afternoon as roads were cleared of snow.

His Republican opponent Mazi Pilip has also been making a last-ditch plea to supporters to head to polling stations.

She posted a photo to X with two of her sisters who have flown in from Israel for election day.

Watch: The imposter in Congress

Tuesday 13 February 2024 23:15 , Bevan Hurley

Voters in New York’s 3rd Congressional district will choose George Santos’ replacement in Tuesday’s special election.

Prior to his ouster from Congress in December, my colleague Richard Hall ventured deep into Santos’ district to gauge voter reaction to the scandal-plagued former Congressman.

The imposter in Congress | On The Ground

George Santos’ resume of lies

Tuesday 13 February 2024 23:45 , Bevan Hurley

While we await the results of the New York 3rd special election, my colleague John Bowden has compiled the many, many controversies of the man Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip are hoping to replace.

From a resume of lies to an OnlyFans scandal: George Santos’s many controversies

Voting is picking up in the final hours before the polls close

Tuesday 13 February 2024 23:59 , Bevan Hurley

The latest release from the NYC Board of Elections shows that voters are turning out in greater numbers as the evening progresses, after a very slow morning at polling stations due to heavy snow on Long Island.

There are still two hours until the polls close, and data analyst Michael Pruser believes that the final tally will reach around 50 per cent of the total votes cast in 2022 when George Santos won the seat.

The low turnout is likely to help Democrat Tom Suozzi, after he racked up a sizable lead in early voting.

Republican Super Pac hires snow plows to clear roads in NY-03

00:20 , Bevan Hurley

A Republican Super Pac reportedly hired snow plows to clear the roads near polling stations in New York’s 3rd district earlier today.

Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman wrote on X that Congressional Leadership Fund hired snow plow companies to encourage voter turnout after a blizzard hit on Tuesday morning.

Is New York’s special election really a bellwether for November?

00:45 , Bevan Hurley

New York’s 3rd Congressional district is the fourth richest in the country, and comprises many wealthy hamlets across northern Long Island.

Political observers have stated that Tuesday’s special election could provide clues to how suburban voters might go for in November’s general election.

But not everyone is convinced that NY03 will have broader implications beyond Long Island.

“My sense is that there are a number of candidate-specific issues and some local context that would make this a tough case from which to conclude much about national trends, despite the fact that congressional elections have become more ‘national’ in recent years,” Syracuse University political science professor Grant Reeher told The Independent in a statement.

“Among those candidate and local issues are the fact that Suozzi is a very well-known figure, and has a record as a county executive, and further, has staked out a more moderate place within the Democratic Party.

“And then, as you note, there’s the Republican baggage of Santos. The 2022 Democratic congressional candidates were weighed down by an association with the governor and the state Democratic Party, and concerns about crime and safety — whether that carries through to this election is another factor. So there are a lot of moving parts beyond general national party politics,” he said.

House votes to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas

01:08 , Bevan Hurley

In a sign of how crucial tonight’s special election in New York’s 3rd Congressional district could be, the House has voted to impeach Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by a single vote tonight.

The second attempt to impeach Mr Mayorkas succeeded by 214-213. Three Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the articles of impeachment: Ken Buck of Colorado, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Tom McClintock of California.

Read the full story here.

Mayorkas impeached, Speaker tells Independent he ‘deserved’ it over border

Polls due to close at 9pm

01:28 , Bevan Hurley

Polls will close in New York’s 3rd special election in just over half an hour, but is’s unclear when we’ll have a decisive result.

Voters were forced to brave a major snowstorm to make it to polling stations, and turnout is expected to be low.

Both candidates offered ride-share vouchers to get their supporters to the polls, while a Republican Super Pac paid for snow plows to clear roads in favourable precincts.

What to know about the special election to replace George Santos

01:35 , Bevan Hurley

As we await the results to start coming in, here’s a recap of the issues and the personalities involved in today’s special election in New York’s 3rd.

What to know about the special election to replace George Santos

Polls close in Suozzi vs Mazi

02:01 , Bevan Hurley

Polls have now closed in New York’s 3rd special election — and the wait for results now begins.

Election day vote has been low due to the heavy snow in Queens and Long Island today, and GOP candidate Mazi Pilip will have to make up a big deficit.

Around 80,000 people cast their ballots early, and polling data showed that 46 per cent were Democrats, and 32 per cent Republican, probably giving Democrat Tom Suozzi a sizable advantage.

Suozzi takes early lead as votes start to come in

02:15 , Bevan Hurley

With nine per cent of votes counted, Democrat Tom Suozzi has taken an early lead.

Mr Suozzi has 63 per cent of the vote, with 37 per cent for Republican Mazi Pilip.

Most of the early votes have come from the Democratic stronghold in Queens, according to CNN’s data guru John King.

Suozzi opens up lead as Queens votes come in

02:29 , Bevan Hurley

New York 3rd Congressional district is split between a small section of eastern Queens, and Nassau County on Long Island.

With 86 per cent of the votes from Queens in, Tom Suozzi is maintaining his lead of 63 per cent to 37 per cent, according to DecisionDeskHQ.

The majority of the district is in Nassau County, which is yet to report any results. But there are promising signs for the Democratic candidate.

House votes to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas

02:45 , Bevan Hurley

In a sign of how crucial tonight’s special election in New York’s 3rd Congressional district could be, the House has voted to impeach Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by a single vote tonight.

The second attempt to impeach Mr Mayorkas succeeded by 214-213. Three Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the articles of impeachment: Ken Buck of Colorado, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Tom McClintock of California.

Read the full story here.

Mayorkas impeached, Speaker tells Independent he ‘deserved’ it over border

Suozzi maintains big lead as more than 50 per cent of votes in

03:06 , Bevan Hurley

With 51 per cent of the vote now in, Tom Suozzi is maintaining a significant lead over Mazi Pilip.

Mr Suozzi has 55,000 votes, or 58.7 per cent of the vote so far, compared to 38,000, or 41.3 per cent of the vote, for Ms Pilip.

CNN are reporting that the votes are mostly comprised of early voting, which traditionally favours Democrats.

Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York special election for George Santos’ former seat

03:34 , Bevan Hurley

Tom Suozzi has delivered a crucial House seat back into the Democratcolumn after defeating Republican Mazi Pilip in Tuesday’s special election to replace George Santos in New York’s 3rd district.

Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York special election for George Santos’ former seat

Pro-Palestinian supporters storm stage during Suozzi victory speech

03:48 , Bevan Hurley

Tom Suozzi’s victory speech was briefly interrupted when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the stage at his campaign headquarters on Long Island.

The protesters shouted “you support genocide”, before being dragged off stage and drowned out by chants of “Suozzi, Suozzi” from supporters.

When he did begin speaking, Mr Suozzi emphasised his credentials as a pragmatic centrist who would be an effective representative in Washtingon DC.

He called on Republicans to “stop running around for Trump and start running the country”.

“The people want us to work together. So, get on board or get out of the way.”

George Santos’ resume of lies

04:00 , Bevan Hurley

The Independent’s John Bowden has compiled the many, many controversies of the scandal-plagued George Santos.

From a resume of lies to an OnlyFans scandal: George Santos’s many controversies

George Santos trolls Republicans

04:33 , Bevan Hurley

George Santos has trolled the Republican Party after they lost a crucial House seat with Tom Suozzi’s victory over Mazi Pilip.

Watch: The imposter in Congress

05:00 , Bevan Hurley

Voters in New York’s 3rd Congressional district will choose George Santos’ replacement in Tuesday’s special election.

Prior to his ouster from Congress in December, my colleague Richard Hall ventured deep into Santos’ district to gauge voter reaction to the scandal-plagued former Congressman.

The imposter in Congress | On The Ground

Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York special election for George Santos’ former seat

06:00 , Bevan Hurley

Tom Suozzi has delivered a crucial House seat back into the Democratcolumn after defeating Republican Mazi Pilip in Tuesday’s special election to replace George Santos in New York’s 3rd district.

Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York special election for George Santos’ former seat

The incredible rise and dramatic fall of George Santos

07:00 , Bevan Hurley

The former Republican lawmaker and suspected fraudster’s murky and ever-changing biography makes it difficult to parse truth from fiction.

The incredible rise and dramatic fall of George Santos

Pro-Palestinian supporters storm stage during Suozzi victory speech

08:00 , Bevan Hurley

Tom Suozzi’s victory speech was briefly interrupted when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the stage at his campaign headquarters on Long Island.

The protesters shouted “you support genocide”, before being dragged off stage and drowned out by chants of “Suozzi, Suozzi” from supporters.

When he did begin speaking, Mr Suozzi emphasised his credentials as a pragmatic centrist who would be an effective representative in Washtingon DC.

He called on Republicans to “stop running around for Trump and start running the country”.

“The people want us to work together. So, get on board or get out of the way.”

George Santos’ resume of lies

09:00 , Bevan Hurley

The Independent’s John Bowden has compiled the many, many controversies of the scandal-plagued former New York 3rd representative George Santos.

From a resume of lies to an OnlyFans scandal: George Santos’s many controversies

George Santos and the fascinating psychology of compulsive liars

10:00 , Bevan Hurley

Anyone who’s taken a passing look at the news lately knows about the short, ill-fated political career of George Santos. Charged with crimes ranging from false statements to fraud, the former golden boy of the Republican Party was ousted by his own colleagues in December. How did it all go so wrong?

Holly Baxter writes:

George Santos and the fascinating psychology of compulsive liars

ICYMI: Mayorkas impeached by House

11:00 , Bevan Hurley

The US House of Representatives impeached homeland security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by a single vote.

The tight nature of the vote shows the importance of Tom Suozzi’s victory in Tuesday night’s special election.

Mayorkas impeached, Speaker tells Independent he ‘deserved’ it over border

Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York special election for George Santos’ former seat

12:00 , Bevan Hurley

Tom Suozzi has delivered a crucial House seat back into the Democratcolumn after defeating Republican Mazi Pilip in Tuesday’s special election to replace George Santos in New York’s 3rd district.

Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York special election for George Santos’ former seat

Watch: The imposter in Congress

13:00 , Bevan Hurley

Voters in New York’s 3rd Congressional district will choose George Santos’ replacement in Tuesday’s special election.

Prior to his ouster from Congress in December, my colleague Richard Hall ventured deep into Santos’ district to gauge voter reaction to the scandal-plagued former Congressman.

The imposter in Congress | On The Ground