Santos set to Take the Lead in New York Seat Race as Hochul Readies for Special Election Announcement
As George Santos exits Congress, party leaders brace themselves for a highly competitive and costly special election in New York's 3rd Congressional District, ensuring his tumultuous tenure remains ingrained in their memory
George Santos has left Congress, but his problematic time in office will be remembered by party leaders as they gear up for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive and costly special election to fill his seat in New York's 3rd Congressional District.
Voters will not be involved in selecting the candidates; according to New York's special election regulations, the county party leaders will make the decision. The election is projected to take place in late February, with specific information to be provided by the office of Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is responsible for determining the dates according to the law.
Rep. George Santos talks to reporters outside the US Capitol on November 30, in Washington, DC.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
House votes to expel Santos from Congress in historic vote
The district, which includes parts of Queens and Nassau counties, was represented by Democrats for a decade before Santos's surprising victory in 2022. Former Rep. Tom Suozzi's decision to challenge Hochul in the Democratic gubernatorial primary opened up the seat. Although Suozzi lost that race badly, he is now running for his old job and is considered the favorite for the Democratic nomination for the special election. On the Republican side, more than 20 potential candidates are being considered, according to Nassau County GOP spokesman Mike Deery.
The upcoming special election in the battleground district is already being discussed as a key bellwether ahead of the November general election. Its timing during a crucial stretch of the Republican presidential primary is not expected to dampen spending or interest, given New York's crucial role in determining the fate of the GOP's slender House majority. The largest House Democratic super PAC has already announced plans to spend big on the race.
"According to House Majority PAC president Mike Smith, the organization intends to have a major impact on the NY-03 special election and is committed to doing whatever is necessary to turn the district blue.
Santos was one of four Republicans in and around New York City who managed to win traditionally blue seats in 2022. However, the negative reaction to his numerous scandals may pose a threat to the Republican momentum that had been building since the local elections in 2021. On Friday, all five GOP House members in districts near or neighboring the 3rd voted to expel Santos."
Hours following Santos' removal from office, the Nassau County Republicans informed CNN that they were actively preparing to appoint a replacement. "We are currently conducting interviews and plan to continue on Monday or Tuesday," stated Deery. "We anticipate making an announcement toward the end of the week."
State Senator Jack Martins, Nassau County legislator Mazi Pilip, war veteran Kellen Curry, and retired New York Police Department detective Mike Sapraicone are all seen as top contenders for the nomination.
On the Democratic side, Suozzi, who previously served three terms in the seat after eight years as Nassau County executive, is widely anticipated to be selected by party leaders, according to multiple sources. However, New York State Democratic Party chair Jay Jacobs told CNN that his nomination is not guaranteed.
A committee of county chairs and voters in the district will make the decision following state party bylaws. The people involved in this decision are Jacobs, who is also in charge of the Nassau County Democrats, and Rep. Gregory Meeks, the Queens County Democratic Party chairman. Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Brooklyn Democrat, will also be consulted, according to Jacobs. He acknowledged that Suozzi's decision to challenge Hochul in 2022 did not sit well with some powerful Democrats, himself included, after she took over the job following former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's resignation.
Jacobs stated that his feelings about Suozzi and the nomination were not positive. Although he is friends with Tom, he was clear that he did not want him to run against the governor. He also publicly disagreed with certain aspects of his campaign. However, Jacobs clarified that this does not disqualify him in his opinion.
After Santos departure, Former New York state Sen. Anna Kaplan announced her candidacy and highlighted impressive early fundraising figures. Just like Suozzi, she planned to challenge Santos in the upcoming election. Both candidates are scheduled to meet with party leaders on Friday.
Regardless of the Democratic leaders' decision for the special election, the party will conduct a primary to nominate a candidate for the general election.
For his part, Santos is not expected to play any role in the coming campaigns.
"Its over," he told CNN after the vote. "To hell with this place."
He then vanished into a waiting car and, as he had mentioned on Thursday, intends to pack up and leave Washington in the coming weekend. However, the competition to fill his position is expected to continue for an extended period.
