United States: in New York, a Democratic victory rich in lessons
During a partial legislative election in New York, the Democratic candidate, Tom Suozzi, won the seat held until now by the Republican Party. The one who occupied it until now, George Santos, was forced to resign after a series of cascading lies.
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, Democratic candidate for New York's 3rd Congressional District, speaks at his election night event, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, in Woodbury, N.Y. AP - Stefan Jeremiah
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The victory of centrist Tom Suozzi against conservative Mazi Pilip allows the Democrats to further reduce the very slim majority of
Republicans in the House of Representatives
. In this year of presidential and legislative elections which promise to be close, the victory of the Democratic candidate in New York is very symbolic. It was a great test for an electoral strategy which was ultimately successful and which Democratic elected officials could draw inspiration from, particularly in the highly coveted suburbs of large cities.
Candidate Tom Suozzi, a former senator and well-known centrist in New York, focused his campaign on defending abortion rights and taking a hard line on immigration policy. On this subject, he promised to work with the Republicans to find a common solution. According to polls, this position on immigration deemed “
realistic
” earned him the decisive votes of independent voters.
A campaign of “
devious tricks
” and “
lies
”
Tom Suozzi, 61, an experienced politician, was delighted to have “
won
” despite a campaign of “
twisted tricks
” and “
lies
” on the same theme of immigration. Eric Adams, the strong Democratic mayor of the megacity of 8.5 million souls – which has welcomed more than 165,000 migrants and asylum seekers from Latin America and West Africa since April 2022 – hailed “
good news for New York
”.
Mazi Pilip said he conceded his victory by calling his competitor to congratulate him. Tom Suozzi may have benefited from low turnout this Tuesday due to a snowstorm which paralyzed the city and its surrounding areas and after many voters, particularly Democrats, had already voted in recent days.
With this New York seat lost in the House of Representatives, the situation for the Republicans becomes uncomfortable. Because it now only takes three defections within the conservative group for one of their laws not to pass. Tom Suozzi's victory should also delight the White House, busy in recent days finding a solution to
criticism concerning the age of President Joe Biden
.
(
And with
AFP)
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