Dems pick up George Santos’ old House seat

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – After a snowy special election day in New York, former Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y) came out on top to take over George Santos’ seat in Congress.

“Tom Souzzi won,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said.

Jeffries is celebrating the win for Democrats.

“In the toughest swing district in New York,” Jeffries added.

Suozzi’s victory cuts the already-thin margin between House Democrats and Republicans by one more seat. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) says this win shows voters could be moving away from Republicans and former president Donald Trump.

“I think people understand that, if you want to deal with a problem, you’re going to have to vote democratic because the Republicans are under instructions of Trump,” Nadler said.

Despite the flipped seat, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) says Democrats should tone down the celebrations.

“They spent about $15 million to win a seat that President Biden won by eight points, they won it by less than 8 points. Their candidate ran like a Republican,” Johnson said.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) thinks voters were worried about having another George Santos situation.

“They may not like Suozzi overwhelmingly but at least they knew who he was and considering what happened with George Santos, maybe they felt a little more comfortable going with someone who is known more in the community,” Malliotakis said.

Johnson does not think this vote indicates how the November elections will turn out.

“New York-3 was what it was but that has nothing to do on the efforts going forward,” Johnson said.

Suozzi is expected to be sworn in when Congress returns from their upcoming break.