A Democrat has won the swing US congressional district left vacant when former Republican Congressman George Santos was expelled last December.

Democrat Tom Suozzi emerged victorious in a special election for a U.S. House seat in New York. His win in a mixed suburban area could boost Democrats’ chances in the upcoming presidential election.

Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip to win the congressional seat left vacant by the expulsion of Republican George Santos. This victory marks Suozzi’s return to Washington after representing the district for three terms before an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid.

Suozzi’s return to Capitol Hill might be short-lived with ongoing changes in the district. Yet, his victory reduces the Republican edge in the House and offers Democrats a boost in New York City’s suburban areas, where Republicans have gained traction recently.

Suozzi highlighted the importance of bipartisan collaboration in his victory speech, although it was briefly interrupted by protestors who raised concerns about his stance on supporting Israel.

Suozzi pointed out the communication problems in our country during his speech, acknowledging the protestors. He stressed the importance of finding common ground rather than just arguing.

Suozzi shared at his election night party in Woodbury that improving the country requires finding common ground, acknowledging its difficulty but stressing its importance.

Suozzi’s victory is a positive sign for Democrats, demonstrating their strength in suburban areas crucial for winning back control of the U.S. House and supporting President Joe Biden’s reelection.

However, forecasting November’s outcome is complex. The short notice of the election likely led to low turnout, which may have been further impacted by a snowstorm on election day. Both campaigns provided assistance to voters, offering free rides and clearing roads to the polls.

The recent election outcome could impact extremely close votes in the House, where Republicans currently hold a narrow 219-212 majority. For example, in a recent vote, House Republicans impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by a single vote, highlighting the importance of each seat in Congress.

At a Long Island polling place, 59-year-old Eliezer Sarrias explained that he voted for Suozzi because he believed Suozzi could collaborate with the opposing party to address issues in Congress.

Following his vote at a Levittown middle school, Sarrias expressed disappointment with Congress’s lack of progress, emphasizing that constituents elect officials to get things done. He cited a bipartisan deal on migrants that unexpectedly collapsed, questioning why pressing issues couldn’t be addressed regardless of the president’s party.

During his campaign, Suozzi, known as a centrist, addressed issues often associated with Republicans. He advocated for stronger border policies and reversing certain New York laws to facilitate the detention of criminal suspects before trial.

The midwinter election occurred after Santos was ousted by his colleagues in December, cutting his first term short.

Santos won office by portraying himself as a self-made success story—a son of immigrants who achieved wealth on Wall Street. However, it was later revealed that much of his story was fabricated. He faces charges, including accusations of stealing money from Republican donors, but maintains his innocence.

Republican leaders selected Pilip, an individual with a distinctive background, to succeed Santos. Originally from Ethiopia, Pilip relocated to Israel through Operation Solomon and served in the Israeli defense forces before immigrating to the U.S. She achieved a seat in Nassau County’s legislature in 2021.

Pilip gracefully accepted defeat and congratulated Suozzi over the phone on Tuesday night.

Addressing her supporters at her election watch party, Pilip stated, “Though we lost, our journey doesn’t end here.”

Biden’s campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, promptly linked the victory to the upcoming presidential race, asserting, “Tonight’s loss for Republicans shows that voters reject Trump’s extreme agenda, even in traditionally Republican-held seats.”

During the brief campaign, major issues such as abortion, immigration, and crime took center stage, expected to influence key suburban races nationwide in this year’s battle for control of Congress.

Despite her own experience as an international migrant, Pilip criticized Suozzi for the influx of asylum-seekers into New York City. She accused Democrats and Biden of failing to secure the U.S. southern border.

During the campaign, Suozzi emphasized the need to strengthen border policies, highlighting instances where he disagreed with his own party on this matter while in Congress. As the campaign neared its end, Suozzi expressed support for temporarily closing the border to reduce the influx of arrivals, aligning with similar statements made by Biden.

During the campaign, Suozzi and Pilip disagreed on abortion.

Suozzi challenged Pilip’s ability to protect abortion rights in places like New York.

Pilip, who personally opposes abortion, promised not to force her beliefs on others. She also supported nationwide access to mifepristone, an abortion medication, and vowed to oppose any attempt by Congress to enforce a nationwide ban.

Both candidates demonstrated unwavering support for Israel during its conflict with Hamas, even appearing together at a joint event to express solidarity.

The congressional seat will be up for grabs again in November’s general election, providing both Democrats and Republicans with another opportunity to vie for victory, although the dynamics of the race may shift by then.

New congressional district lines in the state will be redrawn soon following a court order. With Democrats in control of the state, they are expected to design districts that give their candidates an advantage.

New York is poised to have a major influence on Congress’s control this year, with competitive races in the suburban and exurban regions around New York City.