When former GOP Rep. George Santos was expelled from the House of Representatives for ethics violations, it appeared an optimal chance for Democrats to flip his seat in New York's 3rd Congressional District. However, what once seemed like an easy Democratic victory has turned into a neck-and-neck battle ahead of the special election on Feb. 13. 

The fight pits Democrat Tom Suozzi against GOP candidate Mazi Melesa Pilip. Suozzi is a Democratic journeyman who has won the seat three times before. Pilip is a relative newcomer to the national stage who serves in the Nassau County Legislature. 

A race complicated by the migrant crisis
Santos' expulsion "looked like everything Democrats could have asked for," Nicholas Fandos said for The New York Times. However, a "suburban wave of discontent fueled by the crush of migrants arriving at the southern border and in New York City has helped transform a potential Democratic pickup into a statistical dead heat."

Both parties "see echoes of [2022], when Republicans were able to harness fears about crime to defy national trends and sweep congressional swing seats across New York," Fandos said. Now, "voter anger over the handling of the southern border has become a central issue," Manu Raju and Haley Talbot said for CNN, especially since many of the migrants sent to New York "now live in this district."

A preview of November
The 3rd District is "replacing George Santos — and maybe picking the next president," Mark Chiusano said for Politico. The district has often previewed national trends. Santos' expulsion and the "refocusing of attention beyond the borders of the district put Nassau County in position to once again serve as a suburban crystal ball," Chiusano said. 

While the district has voted blue in the last four presidential elections, it was "once so deeply red that Ronald Reagan claimed that when a Republican goes to heaven, it looks a lot like Nassau," Chiusano said. 

However, Suozzi "has more money and is much better known than his GOP opponent," Russell Berman said in The Atlantic. The polls swing slightly in his favor. If he wins, it could "point the way for Democratic candidates to redirect attacks on Biden's record and ease fears that the border impasse could be an insurmountable liability this fall." 

A volcano in Iceland has erupted for the third time since December and sent molten lava flowing toward the Blue Lagoon, in Grindavik, Iceland. 
Marco Di Marco / AP

Newport Beach is likely what comes to mind when you close your eyes and daydream of California. It has those postcard-worthy views and miles-on-miles of pristine coastline.  Taking a Duffy electric boat for a spin and enjoying a Balboa Bar are just part of the glory of the sunny Newport experience. 

From water
Sea Señorita has two Duffy boats in its fleet, both adorably decorated with striped covers, twinkling lights and tassels. You only need to bring snacks and drinks or have a provisions shopper pick up some goodies. From there, a driver navigates the boat; all you have to do is relax and enjoy the scenery. The cruise goes through Newport Harbor, passing by homes once owned by celebrities like Nicolas Cage, Shirley Temple and John Wayne. 

From land
For more than 100 years, Balboa Island has been charming visitors with its boutiques and restaurants. Stop for a meal, then walk down Marine Avenue and peek inside the shops. While there, go to Dad's Donut & Bakery Shop or Sugar 'n Spice for a ubiquitous frozen banana or Balboa Bar. If you have kids, head down to the ferry ($1.50 for adults, $.50 for children) and go across to the Balboa Fun Zone. This small amusement park on Balboa Peninsula has a Ferris wheel and arcade.