Former U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi has announced his intention to reclaim the New York congressional seat currently occupied by embattled Republican Representative George Santos.
Santos is presently under scrutiny, facing criminal charges related to money laundering and perjury before Congress.
Suozzi, a Democrat, previously represented New York's 3rd Congressional District, encompassing sections of Long Island and northeast Queens. His tenure was interrupted by an unsuccessful gubernatorial run last year.
He declared his congressional candidacy via a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, promising a formal campaign launch following next month's local elections.
"Today Im filing a committee to run for Congress in November 2024," Suozzi stated. "The madness in Washington, D.C., and the absurdity of George Santos remaining in the United States Congress is obvious to everyone."
The race for Santos' seat is shaping up to be competitive, with several candidates already in the running. The outcome could significantly influence party control of the House, given the seat's strategic importance to New York Democrats. They are keen to regain ground after a series of unexpected defeats in the previous congressional elections.
Despite facing a 13-count federal indictment, Santos has refused to step down. The charges against him include defrauding donors, misappropriating campaign funds, submitting false financial disclosures to Congress, and illegitimately receiving unemployment benefits. Santos has entered a plea of not guilty.
In a recent development, Santos' former treasurer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud, implicating Santos in a plot to inflate his campaign finance reports with fictitious loans and donors.
Following his election, it was revealed that Santos had fabricated significant portions of his personal history. He falsely claimed to be a Wall Street dealmaker with a real estate portfolio, despite facing financial difficulties and multiple eviction threats. Santos also misrepresented his heritage, falsely claiming Jewish ancestry. While he has admitted to embellishing his resume, he insists that the reaction is disproportionate.
Suozzi, a certified accountant and attorney, was first elected to Congress in 2016 and successfully defended his seat in 2020. His political career includes stints as the mayor of Glen Cove from 1994 to 2001 and as Nassau Countys elected executive from 2002 to 2009.
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