Suozzi Pulls Off 'Real Upset' In Special Election Race: Laura Curran

GLEN COVE, NY — Residents of NY-3 will soon have a representative when Tom Suozzi takes his seat. The Congressman-elect will get sworn in on Feb. 28, a spokesperson said.

Suozzi beat the largely unknown Mazi Pilip on Tuesday, in a special election that gained national attention because of George Santos, who was expelled from Congress on Dec. 1.

"I think this was a real upset," former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran told Patch. "When you consider in 2022, Gov. Hochul, Senator Schumer and Attorney General [Letitia] James all lost that district as it is reconfigured now and Santos won by eight points."

Suozzi had three terms as the congressman until a failed run for governor in 2022. His return to Washington comes as a poll indicated a tight race. He won by 6 points, according to the state Board of Elections.

"For a lot of people, it was an expectedly wide victory," she said.

Curran said the morning snow hurt turnout, which traditionally is more Republican-leaning, as opposed to the early voters.

The race also locked into national issues, especially the border issue.

"For 30 years, [Suozzi] is known as a centrist, moderate, problem-solving kind of guy," Curran said. "To call, 'Sanctuary' Suozzi and a member of the 'Squad' didn't stick because people know him too well."

His opponent, Pilip, a Nassau County Legislator, born in Ethiopia, spent years in Israel and defended the country in the IDF.

"Her campaign did not serve her well by not getting her out there more," Curran said.

She only agreed to debate Suozzi once, five days before voters went to the polls.

"I think this was one of the few instances where people actually did make up their minds because of the debate," she said.

As for a rematch with Suozzi in November, "I would be very surprised if she runs again," Curran said. "It was such a blowout. When the trend had been going [in] the other direction for three election cycles, I don't think they can afford to make that mistake again."