The Associated Press has called a special election in New York's third Congressional District for Democrat Tom Suozzi.
The seat was previously held by ousted and indicted Republican George Santos, meaning Suozzi's win narrows an already-thin margin held by Republicans in the House.
 Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip in a contest to represent a district that includes parts of Long Island and the New York City borough of Queens.
Pilip conceded the race and said she congratulated Suozzi in a phone call Tuesday night.
“Yes we lost, but it doesn’t mean we are going to end here," Pilip told supporters at her election watch party.
Suozzi's win will likely reassure Democrats that they can perform well in suburban communities across the nation, which will be critical to the party’s efforts to retake control of the U.S. House and reelect President Joe Biden.
The race has been closely monitored for clues about suburban voter sentiment heading into the 2024 election campaign nationwide.
Suozzi previously represented the district for three terms but gave up the seat during an unsuccessful run for governor in 2022.
Santos was expelled from Congress after he was indicted. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and stealing from donors, among other crimes.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.Â
