Tom Suozzi, the previous occupant of George Santos’ congressional seat, is seeking to reclaim his former position.
On Wednesday, Suozzi had a meeting with Governor Kathy Hochul, whom he attempted to challenge in the gubernatorial race last year. He sought her endorsement to enter the special election.
Voters are now facing an additional 70 days without a representative, and they are curious about who will fill the void left by the expelled Santos. The governor scheduled the special election just before the President’s Day holiday.
Governor Hochul emphasized the goal of reclaiming the House of Representatives from the Santos-style Republican Party. However, the question arises whether the governor would be willing to choose Suozzi, who not only contested against her in the primary but also employed assertive personal tactics.
“Well, he apologized for those characterizations,” Governor Hochul remarked.
Before receiving the hand-picked endorsement, Suozzi was summoned to Albany.
“That was an important conversation to clear the air in one respect, so it was in his interest to ensure the conversation went well,” added Hochul.
According to CBS New York, candidate Suozzi assured the governor that he would align closely with the Democratic Party on all issues, including abortion and immigration.
“She extracted certain promises from him, which I think is a bit embarrassing, and if he has to kowtow to the governor in that way to get the nod, what will he do with President Biden?” expressed Nassau County Republican Party Chairman Joseph Cairo.
Cairo is set to announce the Republican candidate for the special election early next week. Meanwhile, Democrats are anticipated to publicly reveal Suozzi’s selection on Thursday.
“Executive committee members here in Nassau County are part of that district. I will take their advice, and the decision comes down to Greg Meeks in Queens and myself to make that determination,” stated New York State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs.
So, is Suozzi considered the front-runner now?
“He is a trusted name. I know him as far as his record. I think he’d be an excellent choice,” commented one voter.
“I want to study it a little further. There are some good people available. Obviously, the sooner we fill the seat, the better,” remarked another voter.
The victor will fulfill the remaining portion of Santos’ two-year term and will be required to run again in the following November for a full term.
Both political parties assert that they have undertaken thorough vetting processes for all candidates under consideration this time.
