I also wonder how much was down to him running against a black woman. No matter how much the media loves to paint the picture of the multi-racial coalition sure to be the GOP (they love it so much they've been painting this picture for 20-30 years now), many in that area don't seem likely to agree. George Santos won, yes, but that felt like a fluke, and the man running against him was also openly gay, which probably didn't bring most of their votes this way.
I don't think fitting a demo matters as much in statewide races now but I do think it still has an impact in House races. Some, anyway.
I noticed that after Pilip was initially vague about supporting Trump, she went all in by the end of her campaign. I wonder if she either assumed she was doing better than she was and dropped the act, or if she panicked because she heard that Dear Leader wasn't happy. And sure enough, he wasted no time trashing her on social media.
I'm not sure if this means anything for Biden in November - when Trump is actually on the ballot, rather than just hovering, it tends to benefit Republicans, and Suozzi was still a strong fit for this district on top of running what seems to be a very strong campaign. Still, it is much better than a loss would have been. Or even a close race, which the media did their best to beg into existence with push polls and blaring headlines (CNN the most blatant - shocking).
I know most can't read Twitter now, but Lis Smith (who is despised by many on the left due to her ties to Pete Buttigieg during his Presidential run, but given that he overperformed, I'd say she probably has some idea about strategy) broke down what benefited Suozzi.
There was a lot of talk about a poll showing that voters blamed Biden, not Trump, for the immigration bill failing. That doesn't surprise me, for a number of reasons, but even as this was spun as a big defeat and an example of Democrats being counterproductive, I do wonder if it helps give some cover for Democrats in moderate/conservative districts to where they can at least say they have a plan.
There was also another Palestine protestor who made a big scene at his victory speech and got bodied by security. These little stunts just seem to push this cause further and further to fringe territory, especially in conservative districts. Another reminder of how out of touch many on the left are, aside from always finding a way to get attention.