New York Republicans pick Mazi Melesa Pilip to succeed George Santos

New York Republicans have nominated Mazi Melesa Pilip as their candidate to run in the special election for the Long Island seat vacated by George Santos.

The GOP pick for the Feb. 13 race will hold a news conference Friday in Massapequa in Nassau County. The party’s choice comes after an intensive vetting process by local leaders determined to redeem themselves after supporting Santos, the ousted congressman indicted on criminal fraud charges.

New York Democrats have chosen former Rep. Tom Suozzi, who had represented the 3rd Congressional District, to run in the special election.

The race in the district straddling Nassau County and Queens is considered a toss-up, one crucial in determining which party controls the House in 2025.

Pilip, a newly reelected Nassau County legislator, has a background that allies say perfectly fits the political moment. She served in the Israeli Defense Forces as an Ethiopian-born Jew who fled to Israel as a child.

Those familiar with the choice by Nassau County GOP chair Joe Cairo were granted anonymity to speak freely.