Hempstead, New York – The race to replace former Congressman George Santos is heating up as voters in New York’s Third Congressional District head to the polls on Tuesday. The special election comes after Santos was expelled from Capitol Hill due to allegations of fraud, leaving both the Republican and Democratic parties vying to fill the vacant seat with their candidates.
Former Congressman Tom Suozzi is running as the Democrat, while local official Mazi Pilip, who served in the Israel Defence Forces, is the Republican candidate. With the race showing neck-and-neck polling results, both parties are pouring millions of dollars into their campaigns as they test their political messaging in this crucial swing district.
The issues dominating the race include the Israel-Hamas war, immigration, and abortion, all of which are expected to play a significant role in the upcoming presidential race. The Israel-Hamas conflict, in particular, has been a focal point for both candidates, with a large Jewish population in the district making it a crucial issue for winning the special election.
Republicans are eager to win the race to gain an advantage in passing their legislative priorities in the House of Representatives, while Democrats are looking to secure the seat to strengthen their coalition and gain momentum for the upcoming November elections.
The border crisis and abortion rights have also emerged as key issues in the race, with both parties seeking to gain the upper hand by framing their opponents’ positions on these contentious topics. Ms. Pilip, in particular, has sought to tie New York City’s influx of migrants and the border crisis to her opponent and the Democratic party, aiming to leverage it as a winning issue for her campaign.
As the race heats up, it is clear that Santos’ shadow still looms over the candidates, with both sides attempting to define their opponents in relation to Santos’ short-lived and controversial tenure. The outcome of the special election in the Third Congressional District is poised to have significant implications for both parties as they gear up for the 2024 elections.