'Be open and honest': Internet skeptical as Tom Suozzi launches campaign for George Santos’ House seat

ALBANY, NEW YORK: Former Democratic representative Tom Suozzi formally declared his candidacy for the House seat that George Santos' expulsion had left open. He stated that his platform will center around the "bread-and-butter issues" that the majority of Americans find important.

Suozzi, who was nominated by New York Democrats earlier this week to compete in the special election, previously served three terms as the representative of New York's 3rd Congressional District.

Suozzi left Congress last year to attempt a primary challenge against Kathy Hochul and Jumaane Williams for the position of Governor of New York, but Hochul won with a whopping 67.6% votes.

Tom Suozzi launches campaign

Tom Suozzi made a tweet on December 9 to announce his campaign, stating, "I launched my campaign for the special election in “America’s first suburb, Levittown. Thank you to all the families who joined me. Tom Cavanaugh, a lifelong Republican, veteran, and 30 year member of NYPD, thank you for welcoming us to your home and for your vote."

Suozzi said that his campaign will tackle issues like immigration, the growing cost of living, climate change risks, and anxieties stoked by the wars in Israel and Ukraine.

Speaking to a small group of people gathered in a Long Island home's backyard, Suozzi stressed the importance of reviving the American ideal that once drove the country's working-class suburbs.

"I’ll work hard, and in return for working hard I’ll make enough money so I can buy a place to live, I can educate my kids, I can have health insurance and I can retire one day without being scared, that’s the American dream," Suozzi said, per CNN.

Internet divided as Tom Suozzi announces campaign

Tom Suozzi's tweet received positive reactions from people on the internet. A user wrote, "That looks just like the first house I ever purchased in Levittown. Good luck to you Tom. We need you to win," while another added, "We need a real leader like you as our congressman."

A person also said, "I signed up to volunteer and canvass for you. I hope someone contacts me!! Let's go!!" Another person praised the place while cheering Suozzi on, writing, "Levittown, where all the houses are the same, and every home is different from the next. Win big!"

One, however, warned the former New York representative, "As long as you are up front and not hiding things. Be open and honest."

Some people were more skeptical about his campaign as one speculated that Suozzi may be a Democrat In Name Only, writing, "I’m worried you’re a DINO. The country needs a true Democrat not a faker."

Another criticized him, writing, "Let me get this straight: Your campaign launch as a Democrat was at a Republican's house? Yeah. No. This ain't it. Wanna win my vote? Here's what you need to come correct on," adding a link to their blog post about him.

A third critique gave their own view, stating, "You have been very weak when it comes to supporting body autonomy and LGBTQIA+ rights in the past, which is why you lost the election to Holchul. Voters need a leader who actually cares about stopping discrimination or you will lose this election too."

One asked, "Are you going to switch parties if you get elected? Are you going to support Don't Say Gay laws?" declaring, "If so, count me out!"