Special Election Set For Feb. 13 To Fill Santos' Former Seat

ALBANY, NY — The special election to fill the seat of ousted congressman George Santos will take place on Tuesday, February 13, Governor Hochul announced.

"As Governor, I have the solemn responsibility to call a special election to ensure the voters of Long Island and Queens once again have representation in Congress,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.

No primary will be held in advance of the election. Party leaders from Queens and Nassau are expected to announce their candidates this week.

Among the Democrats, Tom Suozzi has been considered the frontrunner in the quest to win back his former congressional seat. Former state senator Anna Kaplan is also fighting to become the party's candidate.

It appears more wide open on the other side of the aisle, where several Republicans are vying to keep the 3rd District red.

Santos was expelled on Friday after 11 months on Capitol Hill. Since his arrival in Washington, it was learned that Santos lied about most aspects of his life, from religion to his mother dying in the 9/11 attacks. He pleaded not guilty to 23 federal counts that include wire fraud and identity theft.

Whoever wins the special election would likely have a leg up as the primary and general election campaigning follows shortly thereafter.

"Members of Congress provide critical constituent services, serve as a link to federal agencies, and advocate on behalf of the constituents who sent them to Washington. I look forward working with the next representative for the 3rd Congressional District on the issues facing New Yorkers," Hochul said.