Tom Suozzi of New York made headlines this week after successfully flipping one of New York House of Representatives districts after Republican George Santos was expelled, further diminishing their slim majority in the chamber. On Tuesday’s special election for Long Island-based seat he beat Republican Mazi Pilip and secured victory for Democrats.
Immigration was at the core of this election race, as voters voiced concerns over migrant crisis and shared anxiety across numerous suburbs nationwide. NPR’s Richard Hall visited this district to explore voters’ opinions.
Immigration
Suozzi’s victory in the election to replace Santos in Congress provides Democrats with an unexpected sign of election-year momentum and offers both parties insight into how suburban voters may cast their ballots. Furthermore, his victory serves as an example of the importance of one vote when considering major issues such as avoiding another government shutdown next month, renewing FAA authorization or making decisions regarding warrantless surveillance powers.
Republican politicians have attacked Rep. Suozzi on immigration in recent weeks as it gained national focus due to a new migrant crisis, including local shelter opening and headlines detailing crimes committed by migrants. Suozzi responded with emphasis on bipartisan solutions while criticizing Nassau County legislator Mazi Pilip for opposing the compromise immigration deal reached between Senate negotiators.
This election underscores Republicans’ difficulty appealing to voters on abortion issues, an issue which created stark divisions in their debate last week. NPR’s Grant Lally reports from Plainview, Long Island where voters braved snowfall to reach their polling places and cast their ballots.
Taxes
Suozzi’s victory marks a decisive victory for Democrats as they attempt to regain lost suburban seats. His campaign ran on bipartisan solutions in a district which traditionally leans left but turned red after Santos was elected in 2020. Suozzi’s success stops Republican inroads on Long Island while decreasing their slim majority in Congress.
Polls conducted prior to Tuesday’s special election showed an extremely close race between Democratic candidate Tom Suozzi and Republican Mazi Pilip; however, within hours after polls closed NBC and other outlets projected Suozzi as victor.
As voters prepared for a snowstorm, both candidates worked to bring out voters. Suozzi lashed out against his Republican rival for “petty partisan bickering”, promising that she and Republicans would work on common priorities such as economy, immigration and taxes together.
Crime
Long Island’s 19th District had long been held by Democrats, until former Congressmember Tom Santos was expelled and his seat became an electoral battlefield. Publisher Grant Lally of The North Shore Leader had an unparalleled view as this race played out; having first exposed Santos’ lies through his newspaper.
Mazi Pilip was chosen as their candidate by Republicans due to her compelling personal journey but limited political experience. She served on the part-time Nassau County Legislature while simultaneously campaigning as a registered Democrat despite identifying herself as such on election night.
History suggests this could be detrimental. Special election voters tend to penalize candidates from the same party as an incumbent who has been scandalized, according to POLITICO’s analysis of races over more than a decade. Pilip had difficulty connecting with voters during their only debate when an emotionally charged discussion turned toward abortion – Pilip did not publicly declare whether she supported pro-choice as it shows how difficult this issue has become in many swing districts for her party.
Education
Special elections often turn on individual factors, and in this one they helped tilt in favor of Democrats: Republican George Santos was no longer on the ballot after lies were exposed regarding his fabricated college degrees and nonexistent career on Wall Street; additionally he faced federal indictment for campaign finance fraud and credit card theft charges. Meanwhile Democrat Tom Suozzi was well known in his district and enjoyed advantages such as name recognition and fundraising; furthermore heavy snowfall may have dampened GOP turnout; Democratic candidates tend to fare well during low turnout special elections.
Immigration was at the core of this race, with Pilip accusing Suozzi of weak border security measures and President Biden for contributing to New York City’s migrant crisis. Given that district boundaries may change through redistricting processes in future redistrictings, this was seen as a test of whether or not Republicans could maintain their foothold on Long Island.
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