Congressman George Santos (RN.Y.) faces a series of votes including expulsion from the House of Representatives at the Capitol on December 1, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Leah Millis | Reuters
Democratic leaders in New York held a meeting Friday night with at least three potential candidates to replace former Republican Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives on Friday.
Jay Jacobs, chairman of the Nassau County Democratic Party, told CNBC beforehand that the meeting was a “screening process” for party leaders to determine who has the best chance of flipping the seat from red to blue.
Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the head of the Queens Democratic Party, also plans to attend, Jacobs said. Former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi was also scheduled to attend. He held the seat representing New York’s 3rd Congressional District until Mr. Suozzi resigned to run for governor and was replaced by Mr. Santos.
New York Gov. Cathy Hochul has 10 days to announce the date for a special election for Santos’ seat. Voting is expected to take place in late February.
Santos’s ouster gave Democrats an opportunity to flip the seats in February, further weakening Republicans’ control of the chamber, even though Republicans already had a slim House majority.
of cook political report Label the sheets as toss-ups. But Santos was ousted over campaign finance violations and other ethics issues, increasing the chances that Democrats would win the special election. When a lawmaker leaves Congress under the cloud, voters tend to choose the other party.
Because Santos’ New York seat covers both Queens and Nassau counties, both Meeks and Jacobs will be responsible for choosing which Democrats will run. County leaders from each party will select candidates to participate in the special election and conduct an internal vote. According to New York election law. Jacobs said he would consult with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and Gov. Kathy Hochul before a formal decision is made.
“we [Jacobs and Meeks] “Both men are committed to finding the best candidate,” Jacobs said, quipping that “I don’t want George Santos’ brother as a candidate.”
Spokespeople for the Queens Democratic Party and Mr. Meeks did not respond to emails seeking comment.
Jacobs said the selection process includes questions about whether each candidate can raise enough money to compete and win back the district.
Mr. Suozzi contacted Mr. Jacobs before Mr. Santos was removed and pitched himself as a suitable candidate for the special election campaign.
“I’ve been hearing from him. I wouldn’t say it’s always or often, but he’s made his interests very clear,” Jacobs said.
“But I’ve heard from many other candidates, some even more than I’ve heard from him,” Jacobs said, without naming the other candidates. Ta.
A spokesperson for Suozzi declined to comment, referring CNBC to Suozzi’s remarks. Tweet About expulsion.