GOP Selects Democrat Mazi Melesa Pilip as Candidate for Special Election

A panel of Republicans from Queens and Nassau counties in New York has nominated Mazi Melesa Pilip, a registered Democrat, to fill the vacant seat in the House left by former Representative George Santos, who was expelled following a House Ethics Committee inquiry. Pilip, a 44-year-old mother of seven and a Nassau County legislator, has won two local elections running as a Republican. While her stance on hot-button issues is unclear, she has criticized President Joe Biden's policies and has a background in Israel, having been born in Ethiopia and served in the Israel Defense Forces. Pilip will face Democrat Tom Suozzi in the special election to be held in February.