Democrats Outspend Republicans in Crucial New York Special Election

The race for George Santos' former seat sees Democrats investing heavily in television ads, aiming to regain a key district and reverse previous losses.

Democrats are outspending Republicans in the race to replace expelled Republican George Santos in New York's 3rd Congressional District, with over $8 million funneled into television ads compared to the GOP's $3 million.
The special election, scheduled for February 13, pits former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi against Republican Mazi Melesa Pilip, an Ethiopian-born veteran of the Israel Defense Forces.
The spending disparity is seen as a critical factor, given the high cost of advertising in one of the nation's priciest media markets and Pilip's need to boost her profile against the better-known Suozzi.
Democrats view the election as a key opportunity to reverse losses suffered in New York in 2022 and regain momentum, while Republicans see it as a test of their continued dominance on Long Island.
The election also offers both parties a chance to pilot their turnout operations, test key messages, and gauge President Biden's impact on down-ballot races.