New York Republicans have selected Nassau County legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip as their nominee in the special election to replace ousted GOP Rep. George Santos, setting the stage for a competitive race in February. County party leaders selected Pilip, an Ethiopian immigrant who served as a paratrooper in the Israel Defense Forces, one week after Democratic leaders selected former Rep. Tom Suozzi as their nominee for the special election on Feb. 13. Kellen Curry, another Republican candidate for the seat, told NBC News that GOP leaders informed him they had picked Pilip for the special election. During the GOP selection process, Politico reported that Pilip is actually a registered Democrat. Santos also embellished much of his background, so local party leaders were focused on carefully vetting their potential candidates.

Source: Ethiopian News December 14, 2023 19:06 UTC