New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday that the special election to fill the House seat vacated by expelled Rep. George Santos will take place on February 13. Until the special election determines a new representative for Long Island and Queens, House Republicans will find themselves with a diminished majority, facing a tighter margin in the chamber.
In a statement, Governor Hochul, a Democrat, expressed her duty as the Governor to call for a special election, ensuring that the voters in Long Island and Queens regain their representation in Congress. The upcoming election holds significant importance in the Democrats’ strategy to reclaim the House majority in the approaching year.
The 3rd district of New York, formerly represented by Democrat Tom Suozzi before Santos, is central to this plan. Suozzi vacated the seat in 2022 to pursue an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign. Presently, Suozzi emerges as a leading contender for the backing of New York Democratic leaders as he seeks to reclaim his former position.
The expulsion of Santos from the House occurred last Friday with substantial bipartisan support, driven by a bloc of fellow New York Republicans. Santos, who flipped the Long Island congressional district to red in the last election, made history as the first openly gay Republican in the House. However, he faced controversy when he admitted to misleading voters about key aspects of his background during the campaign. In May, federal charges of fraud and theft were brought against Santos, with additional charges in October. Maintaining his innocence, Santos has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for September 2024.
Governor Hochul emphasized the crucial role of members of Congress in providing constituent services, acting as a liaison to federal agencies, and advocating for the concerns of their constituents. She expressed her anticipation of working with the next representative for the 3rd Congressional District on addressing the issues facing New Yorkers.
