'We're kicking their ass': Dem strategist on GOP outlook after Suozzi flips Santos’ seat
MSNBCFeb 14
Democrat Suozzi Wins US House Special Election in NY
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The Facts
Democrat Tom Suozzi on Tuesday defeated Republican Mazi Pilip in a US House special election in New York, earning the right to replace Republican Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from Congress earlier this year.
Suozzi, who served in the House for three terms before stepping down to unsuccessfully run for governor in 2022, was declared victorious with about 58% of the vote by 10 p.m. Tuesday.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This enormous victory should resonate beyond New York and send the message that Americans agree Biden is a strong president and the US is better off today than it was before Biden took office. Democrats are the party of progress, while Republicans are still looking to the past for Trump and his failed policies. This bodes well for Democrats in 2024.
Republican narrative
Instead of celebrating, Democrats should be worrying over their disappointing margin of victory. Running a three-time representative against someone with zero name recognition who made several mistakes on the campaign trail should've led to a blowout win. Instead, the numbers make it look like Republicans will be able to take back this seat in just a few months.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that Republicans will retain control of the US House of Representatives in 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.