Former Rep. Tom Suozzi, the Democratic candidate for New York’s vacant 3rd Congressional District, is running for the seat vacated by former Rep. George Santos (R.N.Y.) in a race that has garnered national attention. I’m trying to fill it up.
“I am an agent of change in this campaign because Washington is dysfunctional,” Suozzi told Fox News Digital on the eve of Election Day on Monday.
Mr. Suozzi’s comments came as Mr. Santos aims to defeat upstart Republican candidate Mazi Melesa Pilip in a special election on Tuesday, after Mr. Santos was charged with federal charges last year for allegedly defrauding donors. This became possible after he was indicted and expelled from parliament.
Candidates make last-minute speeches on behalf of disgraced Santos on election day amid snowstorm
Former Congressman Tom Suozzi speaks at a campaign kickoff event in Plainview, New York, Sunday, February 11, 2024. The battle to replace disgraced former Congressman George Santos continues in New York City. This is a district where Democratic House candidate Suozzi and Republican Maji Pilip are competing for third place. (AP Photo/Mary Altafer)
The race is expected to be close, with the latest polls showing each candidate within the margin of error just days before voters head to the polls.
Suozzi is no stranger to New York’s 3rd Congressional District, having been elected by the same voters in 2018 and 2022. Suozzi declined to seek re-election to Congress in 2022, instead focusing his efforts on that year’s Democratic primary. Governor of New York. However, the bid was a disappointment for Suozzi, who finished third behind Jumaane Williams and incumbent New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
The defeat marks Suozzi’s second failed bid to become New York governor, and the first in 16 years, after losing the Democratic primary to Elito Spitzer, who won the general election in 2008. He served as governor until resigning in 2010.
Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican Maji Pilip met Thursday night in the first and only debate in New York’s 3rd House special election. (Getty Images)
New York special election candidates clash over border crisis, abortion: ‘You created this issue’
Before his first unsuccessful gubernatorial bid, Mr. Suozzi served as mayor of Glen Cove, New York, from 1994 to 2001 and became Nassuah County Executive in 2002, a position he held until the end of 2009.
Suozzi announced in December that he would seek a seat in Congress again to replace Santos after this year’s gubernatorial bid failed.
Former Representative Tom Suozzi, Democratic candidate for New York’s 3rd House of Representatives, speaks at a campaign rally at the Polish National Hall on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Glen Cove, New York. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
Hours before voters decide on the race, the Democratic candidate expressed optimism in an interview with Fox News Digital and touted the enthusiasm of his supporters and the thousands of volunteers who helped campaign. .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Suozzi also touted his background as a bipartisan consensus builder, arguing that his experience perfectly aligns with what voters in his district want in a candidate.
“My entire career has always been about working together across party lines to get things done,” Suozzi told FOX News Digital. “That’s what people want and that’s the change we want.”
