Current:Home > FinanceIsraeli military veteran tapped as GOP candidate in special election to replace George Santos-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Israeli military veteran tapped as GOP candidate in special election to replace George Santos
View Date:2024-12-24 00:22:24
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Republicans have picked a little-known county lawmaker who once served in the Israeli military as their candidate in a special election to replace ousted New York congressman George Santos, party officials said Thursday.
Nassau County legislator and former Israeli paratrooper Mazi Pilip will face off against Democratic former congressman Tom Suozzi in a Feb. 13 special election for the seat, which includes northern parts of Queens and Long Island.
The selection pits Pilip, a relatively unknown local lawmaker originally from Ethiopia, against a political veteran in Suozzi, who previously represented the district for six years during a lengthy career in Long Island politics.
In a statement, Republicans in Queens and Nassau County loosely outlined some of her potential policy positions and said she would bring a new perspective to the House.
“Pilip is an effective tax fighter who will prioritize public safety, economic recovery, border security and tax relief in Congress,” the statement read. “She will bring a fresh new perspective to Washington, starkly contrasting her from the candidate for the other major political party.”
The party will hold a formal announcement ceremony for Pilip on Friday. She did not immediately return a message left at her office.
The election is expected to draw significant attention as both parties zero in on New York as a potential battleground for control of the House.
Republicans picked Pilip after vetting a number of potential candidates following the expulsion of Santos from Congress earlier this month for fabricating much of his life story and being criminally charged with defrauding donors.
The selection process appeared to be slowed after media began digging into the personal and professional histories of potential candidates, revealing damaging information that could become public during a campaign.
Politico reported last week that Pilip is a registered Democrat, though she holds her current position as a Republican and has been backed by Republicans when she was running for county office. The arrangement is not entirely uncommon in states that have closed primaries, where so-called crossover voters who identify with one party register under another so they can vote in primary elections.
Suozzi was tapped by Democrats last week after emerging as the party’s frontrunner for the nomination. His extensive political experience could be a major advantage when it comes to name recognition and fundraising for the special election.
Suozzi, a centrist Democrat, was elected to the House in 2016 and won reelection in 2020, before leaving to launch the unsuccessful campaign for governor. He also served as the mayor of Glen Cove from 1994 to 2001, and as Nassau County’s elected executive from 2002 to 2009.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- Stock market today: Asian stocks dip as Wall Street momentum slows with cooling Trump trade
- Lakers set to unveil Kobe Bryant statue outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
- Protest this way, not that way: In statehouses, varied rules restrict public voices
- Broadband subsidy program that millions use will expire next year if Congress doesn’t act
- NASCAR Championship race live updates, how to watch: Cup title on the line at Phoenix
- Bronny James diagnosed with congenital heart defect, family 'confident' he'll play in 'near future'
- Zillow offers 1% down payment to attract more homebuyers
- Why Cole Sprouse and KJ Apa's Riverdale Characters Weren't Shown Kissing Amid Quad Reveal
- Bull doge! Dogecoin soars as Trump announces a government efficiency group nicknamed DOGE
- Moscow airports suspend flights following latest reported drone strike
Ranking
- ‘Emilia Pérez’ wouldn’t work without Karla Sofía Gascón. Now, she could make trans history
- 388 people still missing after Maui fires, national emergency alert test: 5 Things podcast
- Boston announces new plan to rid city of homeless encampment, get residents help
- Mississippi factory rolls out first electric-powered truck from California-based company
- Michelle Obama Is Diving Back into the Dating World—But It’s Not What You Think
- As Companies Eye Massive Lithium Deposits in California’s Salton Sea, Locals Anticipate a Mixed Bag
- Police ID killer in 1987 cold case on hiking trail that has haunted Yavapai County
- Alex Murdaugh to plead guilty in theft case. It would be the first time he admits to a crime
Recommendation
-
RHOBH's Kyle Richards Addresses PK Kemsley Cheating Rumors in the Best Way Possible
-
Simone Biles should be judged on what she can do, not what other gymnasts can't
-
Jessica Alba’s Husband Cash Warren Reveals They Previously Broke Up Over Jealousy
-
Police arrest a 4th teen in a drive-by shooting that killed a 5-year-old Albuquerque girl
-
Week 10 fantasy football rankings: PPR, half-PPR and standard leagues
-
'Good Luck Charlie' star Mia Talerico is all grown up, celebrates first day of high school
-
'Good Luck Charlie' star Mia Talerico is all grown up, celebrates first day of high school
-
Olivia Rodrigo Says She Dated People She Shouldn't Have After the Release of Debut Album Sour