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2022 New York's 3rd congressional district election

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2022 New York's 3rd congressional district election

← 2020 November 8, 2022 2024 (special) →
 
Nominee George Santos Robert Zimmerman
Party Republican Democratic
Alliance Conservative Working Families
Popular vote 145,824 125,404
Percentage 53.76% 46.24%

Santos:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Zimmerman:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Tie:      50%      No votes

U.S. Representative before election

Tom Suozzi
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

George Santos
Republican

The 2022 New York's 3rd congressional district election was held on November 8, 2022, to elect the United States representative for New York's 3rd congressional district. Primary elections were held on August 23. In the general election, Republican George Santos defeated Democrat Robert Zimmerman by 8%, considered an upset in this Democratic-leaning district.

Democratic primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]

Eliminated in primary

[edit]

Withdrawn

[edit]

Declined

[edit]

Endorsements

[edit]
Alessandra Biaggi (withdrawn)

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Local officials

Jon Kaiman

County officials

Local officials

Labor unions

Josh Lafazan
Robert Zimmerman

Federal officials

U.S. representatives

Statewide officials

State legislators

Local officials

Individuals

Organizations

Labor unions

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Melanie
D'Arrigo
Jon
Kaiman
Josh
Lafazan
Reema
Rasool
Robert
Zimmerman
Undecided
Global Strategy Group (D)[38][A] July 20–24, 2022 400 (LV) ± 4.9% 12% 13% 10% 1% 17% 48%
The Mellman Group (D)[39][B] June 12–16, 2022 400 (LV) ± 4.9% 4% 20% 20% 4% 10% 43%

Primary results

[edit]
Democratic primary results[40]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert Zimmerman 9,482 35.8
Democratic Jon Kaiman 6,884 26.0
Democratic Josh Lafazan 5,296 20.0
Democratic Melanie D'Arrigo 4,197 15.8
Democratic Reema Rasool 661 2.5
Total votes 26,520 100.0

Republican primary

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]
  • George Santos, former call center employee and nominee for this district in 2020[41]

Endorsements

[edit]
George Santos

General election

[edit]

Predictions

[edit]
Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[43] Tossup November 1, 2022
Inside Elections[44] Tilt D October 21, 2022
Sabato's Crystal Ball[45] Lean R (flip) November 7, 2022
Politico[46] Lean D May 27, 2022
RCP[47] Tossup June 9, 2022
Fox News[48] Tossup July 11, 2022
DDHQ[49] Lean D August 10, 2022
FiveThirtyEight[50] Lean D September 30, 2022
The Economist[51] Lean D September 28, 2022

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Robert
Zimmerman (D)
George
Santos (R)
Other Undecided
RMG Research[52] August 27 – September 2, 2022 400 (LV) ± 4.9% 42% 41% 4% 14%
Hypothetical polling

Josh Lafazan vs. George Santos vs. Melanie D'Arrigo

Poll source Date(s)
administered
Sample
size[a]
Margin
of error
Josh
Lafazan (D)
George
Santos (R)
Melanie
D'Arrigo (WFP)
Undecided
co/efficient (R)[53][C] July 11–12, 2022 714 (LV) ± 3.7% 33% 44% 8% 15%

Endorsements

[edit]
George Santos

Organizations

Local Officials

  • Robert F. Holden, Member of the New York City Council from the 30th district (2018–Present)[55] (Democrat)

Results

[edit]
2022 New York's 3rd congressional district election[56]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican George Santos 133,859 49.35% +9.78
Conservative George Santos 11,965 4.41% +0.53
Total George Santos 145,824 53.76% +10.31
Democratic Robert Zimmerman 120,045 44.26% −8.35
Working Families Robert Zimmerman 5,359 1.98% −0.49
Total Robert Zimmerman 125,404 46.24% −9.73
Total votes 271,228 100.00%
Republican gain from Democratic

Aftermath

[edit]

In the wake of the disclosures about Santos after the election, Democratic Party officials and journalists asked whether Santos would have been elected had voters known about his misrepresentations. FiveThirtyEight noted that Santos's margin of victory was lower than Republicans running statewide who had carried the district—7.5 percent compared to Zeldin's 12 percent, for instance; Republican U.S. Senate candidate Joe Pinion carried the district by a 4 percent margin despite being vastly outspent by his victorious opponent, incumbent Senate majority leader Charles Schumer. The site's calculations suggest that scandals usually reduce an incumbent congressional candidate's margins by 9 percent, but there are so many other variables in elections that it cannot be assumed Santos would have lost just on that basis; sometimes candidates have actually done better than expected after a scandal, and scandal may have less effect in a time of hyperpartisan political identification.[57]

Newsday found that Santos had also benefited from higher-than-usual Republican turnout on Long Island resulting from Zeldin's gubernatorial bid (Zeldin received 47 percent of the vote, the best performance in the state by a Republican candidate for governor since George Pataki in 2002), with 64 percent of the party's voters, 12 percent more than usual, showing up at the polls. "This was not about George Santos", Nassau County Republican chairman Joe Cairo told the paper, noting that Republican candidates, flipped seats in the state legislature in both Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as the congressional seats. "This was a Republican year. Any Republican would have won that district."[58]

Had the state legislature's original redistricting plan been in place at the time of the election, Newsday found, it was likely that the Democratic candidate would have won the 3rd district. That plan, ruled unconstitutional by the state's Court of Appeals, its highest, would have combined the core of the old district on the North Shore and in neighboring Queens with heavily Democratic portions of Westchester County along the north coast of Long Island Sound. That potential district had voted for Biden in 2020 by a 57 percent margin, while the eventual 3rd district had done so by 54 percent, one percent less than the 2020 3rd district. Yet Democrats actually gained about 7,000 voters registered to them from the redistricting.[58]

Cairo discounted the effect of the redistricting. His Democratic counterpart, Jay Jacobs (also the state party chair), agreed. Adding Massapequa to the district at the expense of Huntington had cost "maybe a couple of thousand votes" out of the 20,000 Santos won by. "What did this was the overriding message problem we had on crime and bail reform, the fever pitch those were at in the New York suburbs", Jacobs said. "Santos didn't get elected based on his outstanding resume and he didn't get elected because of redistricting. He got elected because the political environment in New York State favored the Republican messaging."[58] His election made him the first LGBT non-incumbent Republican elected to federal office.[1]

Criminal investigation and expulsion

[edit]

On December 19, 2022, the New York Times found Republican candidate George Santos might have misrepresented his resume.[59] On December 26, in an interview, Santos admitted to lying about his resume but stated he still intends to serve in Congress.[60] The next day, the Republican Jewish Coalition condemned Santos for misrepresenting his heritage.[61] On January 31, 2023, amid outcry from his fabrication of his personal life, and amidst questions about his campaign finances, Santos withdrew from his committee assignments.[62]

On May 10, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York indicted Santos on seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, two counts of making materially false statements to the House and one count of theft of public funds.[63] On October 10, Santos's previous indictment was replaced with one of 23 various counts, including charging $44,000 of cards from contributors of his campaign without their knowledge.[64]

On November 1, a vote to expel Santos from the house failed 179–213.[65] However, on November 16, the Ethics Committee released a report on Santos that found significant evidence of wrongdoing, finding he exploited his House campaign for his own benefit.[66] On December 1, Santos was expelled in a 311–114 vote.[67] As a result, a special election was held on February 13, 2024, to fill the vacancy, resulting in Santos' Democratic predecessor Tom Suozzi reclaiming his former seat.[68]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear

Partisan clients

  1. ^ This poll was sponsored by Zimmerman's campaign
  2. ^ This poll was sponsored by Lafazan's campaign
  3. ^ This poll was sponsored by Santos's campaign

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Chiusano, Mark. "The Point: Maneuvering in CD3". Newsday. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  2. ^ Genn, Adina (January 18, 2022). "Robert Zimmerman is running for Congress". Long Island Business News. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  3. ^ Sommerfeldt, Chris (May 24, 2021). "'Appetite is there for change': Progressive activist to primary N.Y. Rep. Tom Suozzi for second election in a row". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  4. ^ "The Point: Once more into the breach for Kaiman?". Newsday. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  5. ^ Massand, Rikki N. (December 16, 2021). "Syosset legislator plans run for US Congress". Syosset Advance. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  6. ^ Rasool, Elect Reema. "Together, We'll Make a Difference!". Reema Rasool for Oyster Bay Town Council. Archived from the original on December 16, 2021. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  7. ^ Murphy, Dan (February 7, 2022). "Reports: Biaggi to Announce Run for Congress in NY-3; Sound Shore Long Island & West". Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  8. ^ McClendon, Sarah (May 27, 2022). "Biaggi challenging powerful Dem congressman". Riverdale Press. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  9. ^ Glueck, Katie; Fandos, Nicholas (November 29, 2021). "Rep. Tom Suozzi to Run for Governor of New York". www.nytimes.com. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  10. ^ a b Moloney, Síle (February 8, 2022). "UPDATE Bowman, Lander Back Alessandra Biaggi in New York's 3rd Congressional District Race". www.norwoodnews.org. Norwood News. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Moloney, Síle (February 28, 2022). "Biaggi Earns Endorsements of 12 New York State Senators in NY-3 Congressional Race". www.norwoodnews.org. Norwood News. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  12. ^ Moloney, Síle (April 15, 2022). "Elections 2022: Biaggi Wins Backing of More Westchester Elected Officials in NY-3 Race". Norwood News. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  13. ^ Moloney, Sile (February 8, 2022). "Former NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito Endorses Melanie D'Arrigo for Congress in NY-3". Norwood News. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  14. ^ a b Chiusano, Mark (February 6, 2022). "There's an Endorsement War Brewing In CD3". Newsday. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  15. ^ "Meet The Candidates: 2022 BNC Slate". Brand New Congress. Archived from the original on December 23, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  16. ^ Durkin, Erin (June 10, 2022). "City to scrap toddler mask mandate". Politico. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  17. ^ "Candidate Endorsements". 25 August 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
  18. ^ Corbett, Jessica (November 9, 2021). "Indivisible Announces First 2022 Endorsements to Boost Power of Democrats' Left Flank". Common Dreams. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  19. ^ Weldon, Rose (May 25, 2021). "Port's D'Arrigo launches second House campaign with $50K raised on first day". The Island Now. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  20. ^ "2022 Endorsements — New York Communities for Change". nycommunities.org. Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  21. ^ Duffy, Brandon (May 24, 2022). "New York Working Families Party endorses Melanie D'Arrigo for Third Congressional District". theisland360.com. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  22. ^ "One Fair Wage endorses Melanie D'Arrigo". June 13, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  23. ^ "NYPAN Endorsed Candidates – 2021 General". NYPAN Our Revolution. February 24, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  24. ^ @cirseiu (August 9, 2022). "Incredibly proud to endorse @DarrigoMelanie for #NY03. With an advocate like her in Congress, we will fight toget…" (Tweet). Retrieved August 9, 2022 – via Twitter.
  25. ^ "Melanie D'Arrigo accepts endorsement of the LDFS Union". June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  26. ^ "New York - UAW Endorsements". Retrieved July 31, 2022.
  27. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Pelaez, Robert (July 12, 2022). "Suozzi's support for Lafazan tops recent CD-3 endorsements". The Island 360. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  28. ^ "Hillary Clinton backs Robert Zimmerman in Congress race". 18 July 2022.
  29. ^ a b c Duffy, Brandon (January 22, 2022). "Charles Lavine, Thomas DiNapoli endorse Robert Zimmerman for Suozzi's District 3 congressional seat". The Island Now. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  30. ^ a b c d e Coltin, Jeff (July 15, 2022). "Rep. Grace Meng endorses Robert Zimmerman in 3rd Congressional District". City & State. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  31. ^ "He's in the private sector now, but doesn't mean Corey Johnson is avoiding politics – @CoreyinNYC is endorsing @ZimmermanforNY for Congress for Suozzi's open seat".
  32. ^ a b Duffy, Brandon (January 28, 2022). "Local 338 President John R. Durso endorses Robert Zimmerman for NY-3". The Island Now. Archived from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  33. ^ "LCV Action Fund Endorses Jerry Nadler, Sean Patrick Maloney, Bridget Fleming, Jackie Gordon, Robert Zimmerman, Laura Gillen, and Francis Conole for Congress in New York". www.lcv.org. September 26, 2022.
  34. ^ "LGBTQ Victory Fund Endorses 80 More LGTBQ Candidates, Including Robert Zimmerman for U.S. Congress". Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  35. ^ "Sierra Club 2022 Endorsements". March 19, 2021.
  36. ^ @SDNYC (July 28, 2022). "In the race for Congressional District NY-3, we proudly endorse @ZimmermanRob!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  37. ^ "NYSUT issues round of endorsements in state and federal races". www.nysut.org.
  38. ^ Global Strategy Group (D)
  39. ^ The Mellman Group (D)
  40. ^ "August 23 Federal and State primary results". New York State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
  41. ^ Robinson, Pam (March 14, 2021). "Nurse Plans Race Against Suozzi in 2022". Huntington Now. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  42. ^ a b "Endorsement: George Santos for Congress (NY-3)". nyyrc.com. New York Young Republican Club. September 8, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  43. ^ "2022 House Race Ratings". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  44. ^ "House Ratings". The Rothenberg Political Report. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
  45. ^ "2022 House Ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  46. ^ "2022 Election Forecast". Politico. May 27, 2022.
  47. ^ "Battle for the House 2022". RCP. June 9, 2022.
  48. ^ "2022 Election Forecast". Fox News. July 11, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  49. ^ "2022 Election Forecast". DDHQ. July 20, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  50. ^ "2022 Election Forecast". FiveThirtyEight. September 22, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  51. ^ "The Economist's 2022 House Election forecast". The Economist. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  52. ^ RMG Research
  53. ^ co/efficient (R)
  54. ^ "2022 General Election Endorsements". Asian Wave Alliance. Archived from the original on November 2, 2022.
  55. ^ @Santos4Congress (October 28, 2022). "I am excited to announce that I have just been endorsed by Democrat NYC Councilman @BobHoldenNYC. People on both si…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  56. ^ "2022 General Election Results — Certified December 15, 2022". New York State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on December 30, 2022. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
  57. ^ Rakich, Nathaniel (January 5, 2023). "3 Questions We Have About George Santos". FiveThirtyEight. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
  58. ^ a b c Roy, Yancey (February 18, 2023). "GOP turnout, Zeldin coattails spurred Santos' congressional win". Newsday. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  59. ^ Who Is Rep.-Elect George Santos? His Résumé May Be Largely Fiction., New York Times, December 19, 2022
  60. ^ Rep.-elect George Santos admits to lying about bio, but says he still intends to serve in Congress, CNN Politics, December 27, 2022
  61. ^ Republican Jewish Coalition denounces Santos for lies about his credentials, Politico, December 27, 2022
  62. ^ Rep. George Santos voluntarily steps down from House committee assignments, NPR, January 31, 2023
  63. ^ Congressman George Santos Charged with Fraud, Money Laundering, Theft of Public Funds, and False Statements, United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York, May 10, 2023
  64. ^ Rep. Santos faces new charges he stole donor IDs, made unauthorized charges to their credit cards, AP News, October 12, 2023
  65. ^ House measure to expel indicted GOP Rep. George Santos fails, CNN Politics, November 2, 2023
  66. ^ House Ethics Committee report on George Santos finds "substantial evidence" of wrongdoing, CBS News, November 16, 2023
  67. ^ George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote, BBC News, December 2, 2023
  68. ^ "Democrat Tom Suozzi wins N.Y. special election to replace George Santos". NBC News. 2024-02-14. Retrieved 2024-02-14.