In the heart of Long Island, where Republicans have won every major election in the last three years, Tom Suozzi fought through ripping political headwinds to claim victory on Tuesday in a special House election, seizing a coveted swing district that had been held by George Santos.
The outcome flipped one of the five House seats Democrats need to retake the majority in November, giving the party a badly needed shot of optimism.
But Mr. Suozzi’s campaign also provided something that may prove more valuable, a playbook for candidates across the country competing on turf where President Biden and his party remain deeply unpopular.
The strategy went something like this: Challenge Republicans on issues that they usually monopolize, like crime, taxes and, above all, immigration.
“It’s a very interesting lesson to Democrats that you can escape your opponent’s attacks on immigration by not only leaning into the issue, but doubling down on it,” said Steve Israel, a former congressman from the district who once led the House Democrats’ campaign arm.
Persons:
Tom Suozzi, George Santos, Suozzi’s, Biden, Donald J, Trump, “, ”, Steve Israel
Organizations:
Republicans, Democratic, Republican, White, House Democrats
Locations:
Long