Former Long Island Rep. Tom Suozzi Opens Campaign Headquarters in Great Neck
Former Long Island Rep. Tom Suozzi has opened his campaign headquarters in Great Neck, the hometown of his Republican rival Mazi Pilip. Suozzi is running to reclaim the seat left vacant by expelled ex-Congressman George Santos.
Suozzi, a Democrat who previously represented parts of Nassau County and Eastern Queens, is making it clear that he is competing for the votes of conservative constituents in Great Neck. He wants to assure them that he will fight for their interests during these uncertain times.
During the opening of his headquarters, Suozzi emphasized his willingness to work with individuals from all political backgrounds. He believes in finding common ground and getting things done, regardless of party affiliation.
The event drew around 200 people, including state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Queens Rep. Grace Meng, who introduced Suozzi.
Suozzi gave up his congressional seat to run for governor but lost in the Democratic primary to Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022.
The special election on February 13 is being closely watched as it could determine which party will gain control of the House of Representatives. Long Island, including Suozzi’s former congressional district, has swung Republican in recent years due to voter dissatisfaction with Democrats’ stance on criminal justice and social issues.
Nassau County leader Jay Jacobs is confident that Suozzi’s aggressive campaigning in Republican areas will yield positive results.
Pilip’s campaign, however, believes that Suozzi’s efforts to attract voters in her hometown will be unsuccessful. They link him to the left wing of the Democratic party, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and claim that his views are out-of-touch with Great Neck and the entire 3rd Congressional District.
Mazi Pilip, an Ethiopian native who served in the Israeli Defense Services and currently serves in the Nassau County Legislature, is Suozzi’s Republican rival in the special election.
The seat became vacant after George Santos was expelled from the House of Representatives. Santos was the sixth member ever to be expelled and had been accused of fabricating his personal and professional history, lying about campaign finances, and defrauding donors.
