Republican Mazi Pilip says it was ‘mistake’ not to seek Trump endorsement in NY House race

Republican Maji Pilip lost a special election to replace the former congressman. House Representative George Santos (RN.Y.) said earlier this month that he made a “mistake” in not seeking former President Trump’s support during his campaign.

Mr. Pillip has distanced himself somewhat from Mr. Trump, refusing to say whether he voted for Mr. Trump in 2020 until shortly before election day.The campaign led to a race against former Democratic congressman Tom Suozzi of New York. They lost by more than 7 points.

“Fake news that I don’t support Trump. I love Trump. A great president. My mistake for not asking for his support,” she said. tweeted on Thursday.

Mr. Suozzi was sworn in on Wednesday in his old seat representing New York’s 3rd Congressional District. Suozzi represented the district for six years, but decided not to run for re-election in 2022 as he ran an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign.

His addition to the House further narrows the Republican majority to 219-213.

Pillip was a Nassau County Legislature member and was a registered Democrat until she took office. changed her registration He officially became a Republican this week. She had been elected to the position as a Republican.

Pillip did not actively seek Trump’s support during the campaign, but nevertheless defended him against the criminal charges he faces. she said in an interview with CNN earlier this month. what she knows He said he had “not committed any crime” and declined to say whether she held him responsible for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

She also said Trump is a “great president” and would appreciate him coming to the district to support his campaign.

President Trump did not support Pilip after her loss, calling her a “very stupid woman” for trying to talk “over the fence” about Pilip.

“The Republican majority, MAGA, has stayed home and will continue to do so unless it is treated with the respect it deserves,” Trump wrote on Truth Social at the time. “I’m out of the race, ‘I want to be loved!’ Please tell me who is the real candidate for the district in November. Suozzi, I know him well, I can beat him easily!”