The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) announced Thursday that it would be endorsing Mazi Melesa Pilip for the seat vacated by former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.).
Pilip, a relatively unknown local lawmaker, has become the top candidate for the New York Republican Party looking to hold on to the slim majority in the House after Santos was expelled in early December.
“Pilip is a remarkable candidate whose strength of character and firm principles are clear to anyone who looks at her life story and her work,” the RJC said in its announcement. “This stands in stark contrast to her Democratic opponent, career politician Tom Suozzi, who focuses on himself rather than the people of NY-3.”
The New York Democratic Party chose Suozzi to be its candidate in the special election. He previously represented the 3rd District before Santos was elected. He left to pursue an unsuccessful bid for governor in 2022.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the special election to fill Santos’s seat will be held Feb. 13.
The RJC said electing Pilip, who is an Ethiopian Jew who grew up in Israel, is more important than ever.
“Winning this battleground seat is critical to maintaining the GOP majority in the House of Representatives, and as antisemitism continues to spike across the country, electing candidates like Mazi Pilip is more important than ever,” the endorsement said.
Pilip also gained the endorsement from the National Republican Congressional Committee.
The House expelled Santos from his seat in early December.
The vote came after a year of controversy after it was revealed that he made false statements about his personal, professional and educational background. He also faces 23 felony charges related to alleged misconduct, including wire fraud, identity theft and campaign finance violation.