Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has announced that a special election will be held on February 13, 2024, to fill the seat previously occupied by expelled Republican George Santos. The race for the seat, which represents parts of Long Island suburbs and a portion of Queens, is expected to be highly contested and is seen as the start of a series of consequential congressional elections in the state. Both Republicans and Democrats view New York as a key battleground in their fight to control the House.

For Democrats, this election will be a test of their ability to flip districts around New York City that are crucial to their plans of regaining control of the House. Former U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi has emerged as a potential frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. Suozzi, who previously represented the district for six years, has the advantage of name recognition and organizational capabilities to quickly launch a campaign. He has already received endorsements from local politicians and labor groups.

Another potential candidate for the Democratic nomination is former state senator Anna Kaplan, who has been criticizing Suozzi's record and focusing on passing federal legislation guaranteeing abortion rights.

On the Republican side, potential candidates include retired police detective Mike Sapraicone, Air Force veteran Kellen Curry, and Nassau County legislator Mazi Pilip. Sapraicone, who is also the founder of a private security company, has already begun fundraising for his campaign and has received $300,000 of his own money.

The special election is significant for both parties, with Democrats aiming to flip at least five House seats in New York next year. Republicans, on the other hand, are hoping to maintain their narrow House majority. Long Island has seen significant gains for Republicans in recent years, as moderate suburban voters have shifted towards the GOP.

The special election will be held after George Santos was expelled from the House of Representatives following a scandal-plagued tenure and impending criminal trial. Santos is only the sixth member in the chamber's history to be ousted by his colleagues.

Overall, the special election in New York's Third Congressional District is expected to be a closely watched and highly competitive race that will have implications for the balance of power in the House. Both parties are dedicated to winning this seat, highlighting the importance they place on New York as a battleground state in the upcoming congressional elections.