(JNS) New York Republicans selected Mazi Melesa Pilip, an Ethiopian-born, Orthodox Jew and Israel Defense Forces veteran, on Thursday to run for New York’s third Congressional District, replacing disgraced former house member George Santos. A current local legislator, Pilip is running for the seat that Republican Rep. George Santos held before being expelled from the US House of Representatives, earlier this month following federal criminal indictments for fraud. It was also revealed that Santos had fabricated his backstory, including his supposed Jewish-Brazilian heritage. Mazi Melesa Pilip serving in the IDFThe New York 3rd district special election holds national significance, given how narrowly Republicans control the House. Following the expulsion of Santos, House Speaker Mike Johnson wields an eight-seat, fractious majority.

Source: Ethiopian News December 15, 2023 15:43 UTC