Why Dems Won Yet Another Special Election

Tom Suozzi easily wins George Santos' seat by going on offense on border security, abortion

Well, Democrats keep winning elections. Last night, Democrat Tom Suozzi won the special election for the New York Congressional seat formerly held by George Santos. Suozzi’s victory will have an immediate substantive impact. The historically narrow Republican House majority is now even narrower — making it that much harder for Speaker Mike Johnson to pass his extreme MAGA agenda. Another Democratic victory in a highly contested seat was also a huge relief to Democrats who have been panicking since the release of the Special Counsel’s report attacking President Biden’s memory. Democrats, despite Trump’s lead in the polls and Biden’s anemic approval ratings, comforted themselves by pointing to our election wins. A loss last night would have meant panic in the proverbial streets.

We live to fight another day. So, what can we take away from this victory (other than relief)?

1. This is a Good Win

Yes, Joe Biden won this district by 8 points in 2020 and if Democrats aren’t winning Biden +8 seats, we are in big trouble. But the reality of this suburban district is more complicated. Santos won it by 8 in 2020, and Republican Lee Zeldin won it by 12 during his 2022 losing gubernatorial campaign.

Mazi Pilip, Suozzi’s opponent, was not the typical Fox News green room reject that Republicans usually run — and Democrats usually beat. Pilip is a registered Democrat and an Ethiopian immigrant who served in the Israeli Defense Forces.

The Nassau County Republicans are some of the most organized in the nation. They are a throwback to the days of big-city political machines. They handpicked Pilip and ran all elements of her campaign. Democrats have struggled in Nassau County in recent years, and picking up a Congressional seat in this political environment is impressive.

2. A Blueprint for Going on Offense on the Border

Republicans tried everything to make this election about border security. While New York borders Connecticut, not Mexico, border issues have dominated the news in the state. Republican Governors cruelly sent busloads of migrants to New York City, putting a strain on city resources.