Who will replace George Santos? Tom Souzzi and Mazi Pilip battle in special election – live updates

Expelled representative George Santos leaves federal court on Long Island

A high-stakes special election in disgracedex-congressman George Santos’ district goes to the polls today – in a race that will likely have implications for national politics.

In New York’s 3rd Congressional District, Republican newcomer Mazi Pilip is up against Tom Suozzi, a former three-term congressman who vacated the seat in 2021 to launch an unsuccessful run for governor.

Ms Pilip is an Ethiopian-born, former Israeli Defense Force paratrooperwhose compelling backstory has Republicans touting her as a future star of the party.

The by-election has taken on added significance due to Republicans’slim majority in the House of Representatives and is shaping up as a bellwether for how both parties are faring ahead of the 2024 general election.

The seat is up for grabs after Mr Santos was expelled from Congress in December last year following a series of embarrassing public revelations.

Just weeks after winning his race for Congress, the Republican lawmaker was revealed to have lied about large parts of his life and resume, including his education, Wall Street career and even his mother surviving the September 11 attacks.

New York’s 3rd Congressional district straddles the New York borough of Queens and Nassau County in Long Island and was the nation’s fourth wealthiest by median household income in 2022.

An estimated 11 per cent of the voting population are Jewish.

The Israel-Hamas conflict stirred high emotions in the district, and both candidates have pledged unwavering support for the US ally.

A high-stakes special election in disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos’ former district is being held on Tuesday 13 February, in a race that will likely