Hochul sets special election to replace Santos for Feb. 13

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced the special election to fill former Rep. George Santos’s (R-N.Y.) seat will be held Feb. 13. 

Hochul issued a proclamation Tuesday setting the date for the race that will determine who will represent New York’s 3rd Congressional District for the remainder of the term. 

“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,” Hochul said in a statement. “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.” 

Santos last week became just the sixth member of the House, and the first Republican, to be expelled from their seat. Santos was removed from office in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 311-114-2, with 105 Republicans joining almost all Democrats in voting to expel him. 

The vote came after a year of controversy surrounding the now-former congressman based on revelations that he made false statements about many aspects of his personal, professional and educational background. He is also facing 23 felony charges related to alleged misconduct, including counts of wire fraud, identity theft and campaign finance violations. 

The election could be a pickup opportunity for Democrats in a district that voted for President Biden in the 2020 presidential election by about 8 points. 

Republicans’ majority in the House shrunk to 221-213 with Santos gone. Democrats taking the seat would further tighten that margin.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report initially rated the special election as a “toss-up” immediately following the expulsion vote.