George Santos’ special election could be affected by New York’s Nor’easter snowstorm
- Polls in New York’s Third District are open from 6 a.m. ET to 9 p.m. ET
- A massive storm could dump six to nine inches of snow on parts of Long Island
- Race results could have national implications, as Republicans hold a very slim majority in the House of Representatives
Voters in New York go to the polls on Tuesday for the special election to decide who will replace former Congressman George Santos, but a blast of winter weather could impact the tight district race.
A Nor’easter storm is slowly moving through the region, dropping as much as a foot of snow in some areas. Six to nine inches of snow are expected to fall in New York’s Third District, which includes parts of Queens and Long Island, and a winter storm warning remains in effect until 6:00 PM ET on Tuesday.
Polls for the special election opened at 6 a.m. ET and will remain open until 9 p.m. ET. They were largely empty in the morning as snow lashed the region, but thousands voted early in the closely watched race.
The contest is seen as a bellwether for the 2024 general election, with Republicans focusing on the migration crisis that has ravaged New York and Democrats focusing on abortion rights.
Officials warned people to stay off the roads due to low visibility and icy conditions. Thousands of students stayed home as schools opted for remote learning or canceled classes.
But the so-called “snowmageddon” isn’t stopping Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican Mazi Pilip from encouraging voters to go to the polls. The two candidates are locked in a heated race to replace Santos.
Republicans have a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives, so the results of the New York special election could determine the direction of the House for the rest of the year. It would also be a good indication if Democrats want to flip the House of Representatives in November.
The Northeast is bracing for ‘Snowmageddon’ as an incoming storm will dump six to nine inches of snow on parts of New York City and Long Island
A man pushes a bicycle through the snow in New York. Winter weather warnings have been issued across the region.
The harsh winter weather has canceled flights, closed schools and forced millions of people to stay indoors.
“There is too much at stake in these elections to stay home,” Pilip posted on X this morning.
‘No snow day for Team Suozzi!’ the Democrat posted. Both campaigns are offering voters free rides to the polls as winter weather hits the district.
Snowmageddon could mean a bigger problem for Mazi. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, polls have shown that Suozzi and Pilip are statistically in a dead heat.
But according to a poll conducted by JLPartners on the eve of the special election, Suozzi was ahead by 21 points among those who had already voted, while Mazi was ahead by 15 points among those who had not yet voted before Election Day.
Voters could cast their votes in person via early voting from February 3 to 11.
Suozzi arrives at a campaign event as the district faces winter weather warnings on February 13
Suozzi and Pilip are in a tight race to fill the vacant seat of ex-congressman George Santos
Pilip speaks at a rally on the eve of the special election, surrounded by New York Republicans, including House of Representatives Republican Conference Chairman Elise Stefanik (far right)
Suozzi gives a thumbs up, surrounded by supporters, during a campaign stop on Election Day
Democratic candidate Tom Suozzi, 61, is a former congressman who represented the district for three terms before a failed 2022 New York gubernatorial election.
He has long been a key member of Long Island politics, having previously served as Nassau County Executive and mayor of Glen Cove.
Republican candidate Mazi Pilip, 44, is a mother of seven and an Israeli-American born in Ethiopia who served in the Israeli army before immigrating to the US. She was elected to the Nassau County Legislature in 2021.
With the race at a dead end, both candidates have gone on the offensive in recent weeks, clashing over border security, taxes, gun safety and abortion.
Whoever is elected will fill the seat vacated by the fabulous ex-congressman George Santos, who was in office for just eleven months.
He became only the sixth member of the House of Representatives to be expelled from Congress in December. He is awaiting trial later this year on fraud and theft charges.
A Democratic victory would further reduce the already slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives, as the Republicans have only 219 seats while the Democrats have 212 seats.