Who will replace George Santos? Live updates as Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip take on special election

Democratic candidate Tom Suozzi and Republican candidate Mazi Pilip are offering car service to voters who need it so they can get out and cast their ballot in New York’s special election, amid a snowstorm.

On X, Mr Suozi said that those who are in need of transportation can fill out a form or call his team and they will arrange a driver to bring them to a polling location.

Ms Pilip offered similar service, saying anyone in need of free transportation can call her campaign and set up a ride.

New York’s special election to fill George Santos’s seat in the 3rd Congressional District is underway today from 6am until 9pm EST.

Polls will close at 9pm and results are expected to roll in shortly after.

The race to replace ousted New York congressman George Santos is on and among the issues voters are looking at, a top one is immigration.

Supports of both Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican Mazi Melesa Pilip told NPR that the recent influx of migrants into New York City has impacted parts of Congressional District 3. That are includes neighbourhoods of Queens and Nassau County, Long Island.

Mr Suozzi has spoken to the immigration system in his campaign, pointing to his record on being in the “problem solver’s caucus” as proof that he will work across the aisle to get legislation passed. Mr Suozzi supports the bipartisan immigration proposal recently passed in the Senate.

Meanwhile, Ms Pilip spent time blaming Mr Suozzi and President Joe Biden for allowing migrants to enter the US-Mexico border.

A new poll shows a tight race between the two New York candidates running to replace disgraced former Rep George Santos in Congress.

According to the Newsday/Siena College poll put out on Thursday, 48 per cent of likely voters support former Democratic Rep Tom Suozzi, and 44 per cent support Republican candidate Mazi Melesa Pilip. Another 7 per cent are undecided.

The neck-and-neck findings come days before the special election on 13 February, for which early voting has already begun.

A winter storm currently dumping inches of snow onto parts of Long Island is being watched closely today as voters in New York’s 3rd Congressional District head out to the polls in the special election to replace George Santos.

The heavy snow and slick roads may pose a problem for Republicans as they’re less likely to vote early by mail than Democrats.

Mazi Pilip, the Republican candidate, urged potential voters on Monday night to get out and vote regardless of the weather.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s going to rain or snow, we’re going to safety – will go out,” Ms Pilip said.

New York’s 3rd Congressional district straddles the New York borough of Queens and Nassau County in Long Island and was the nation’s fourth wealthiest by median household income in 2022.

An estimated 11 per cent of the voting population are Jewish.

The Israel-Hamas conflict stirred high emotions in the district, and both candidates have pledged unwavering support for the US ally.

A high-stakes special election in disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos’ former district is being held on Tuesday 13 February, in a race that will likely have major implications for national politics.

The special election in New York’s 3rd Congressional district pits Republican newcomer Mazi Pilip up against Tom Suozzi, a former three-term congressman, who vacated the seat in 2021 to launch an unsuccessful run for governor.

Ms Pilip is an Ethiopian-born, former Israeli Defense Force paratrooper whose compelling backstory has Republicans touting her as a future star of the party.

The by-election has taken on added significance due to Republicans’ slim majority in the House, and is shaping up as a bellwether for how well both parties are faring ahead of the 2024 general election.