"Israeli Military Veteran Chosen as GOP Candidate for Special Election to Succeed George Santos"

Republicans have chosen Mazi Pilip, a little-known county lawmaker and former Israeli paratrooper, as their candidate in a special election to replace ousted New York congressman George Santos. Pilip will face off against Democratic former congressman Tom Suozzi in the February 13th election. The selection process was delayed due to media scrutiny of potential candidates, and it was revealed that Pilip is a registered Democrat running as a Republican. Suozzi, with extensive political experience, is seen as having an advantage in name recognition and fundraising.