Expulsion Spurs Scramble for Santos Seat

Political chaos ensued after Rep. George Santos was expelled, leaving his Long Island congressional seat vacant. This prompted a special election to fill the seat, scheduled for February by Gov. Hochul. Two candidates from the Democratic side included ex-Rep. Tom Suozzi and former State Sen. Anna Kaplan. Mazi Pilip and Mike Sapraicone were potential Republican candidates. Democratic leader Jay Jacobs was confident in his party’s chances to win. Both parties viewed the special election as a preview for the upcoming 2024 battle for Congress. The state’s top court could also potentially redraw congressional district lines, altering the political landscape in New York.