Democrats bet big on flipping House seat as ‘first step’ toward retaking majority

Democrats are betting big on flipping a key New York House seat in February by planning to spend nearly $6 million on advertisements to garner support for former New York Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi.

The Democratic-aligned House Majority Political Action Committee said it would spend $5.9 million, with $3.7 million on TV ads, $1.5 million on digital platforms, and $700,000 on mail ads ahead of the Feb. 13, 2024, special election.

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The contest is for New York’s 3rd Congressional District, which was held by then-Rep. George Santos before he was booted from the House on Dec. 1 for alleged crimes and a federal indictment.

(AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

“This race is about New Yorkers, and voters in NY-03 are looking for someone to right the ship after Republicans propped up a serial fraudster in 2022 — and no one is better suited for that than Tom Suozzi,” House Majority PAC President Mike Smith told NBC News.

“[The contest] represents the first step to Democrats taking back the House in 2024. A resurgence in New York represents House Democrats’ best path to the majority.”

Suozzi will compete against Republican nominee Mazi Melesa Pilip, a Nassau County legislator, for the crucial seat. Suozzi held the seat before Santos but did not seek reelection in 2022 in order to run for governor.

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The district consists of parts of Long Island and Queens and is considered a swing seat that will be closely watched. Voters in 2020 supported President Joe Biden but switched parties in 2022 to elect Santos to the House.

Democrats are hoping to flip the House back in their favor and to keep hold of the Senate and White House next year.