"Special Election Candidates Raise Doubts About Biden and Trump, Questioning Their Age and Impact on Democratic Brand"

Republican nominee Mazi Pilip and Democrat Tom Suozzi, competing in a high-stakes special election on Long Island, are distancing themselves from their party's leaders, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who are both unpopular in the district. Suozzi has criticized Biden's age and handling of the border crisis, while Pilip initially avoided aligning with Trump but has recently embraced his support. Both candidates face the challenge of appealing to voters who have unfavorable views of the president and former president, making the race about themselves rather than national figures.