George Santos’ former staff involved in successor election
Nyssa Woomer, a Republican strategist whose work includes work in the administrations of ousted Rep. George Santos and former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, spoke to Fox News Digital about the special election in New York’s 3rd Congressional District.
Early voting begins Saturday in suburban New York, where both Democrats and Republicans are pouring millions of dollars into the race.
The race to replace ousted Rep. George Santos (RN.Y.) in the Empire State’s 3rd Congressional District is being watched as a possible clue as to whether Republicans will remain in the House next year.
The issue is between Nassau County Clerk Maji Melesa Pilip, a Republican, and former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, who resigned at the end of 2022 after unsuccessfully running against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. ) is in dispute.
“Anyone could win at this point,” Nyssa Woomer, Santos’ former communications director and a former aide to Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, told Fox News Digital. “Even though Tom Suozzi is a former member who represented NY-3 for quite some time, it’s still a new ball game – especially with Maji Pilip…she’s a local councillor. I think it has potential, that’s all.”It’s well-known, but at a local level. ”
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Republicans and Democrats are focused on the race between Nassau city official Maji Melesa Pilip and former Congressman Tom Suozzi. (Getty Images)
The race is shaping up to be a test of whether House Republicans can survive a chaotic term fueled by a sharply divided majority. Nationally, Democrats have taken up this dysfunction, while Republicans have taken up issues like the rising cost of living and the border crisis that are top of mind for voters in polls.
Pillip said in an interview on Fox News Digital that a successful campaign could provide a roadmap for Republicans to keep the House.
“This is a special election, but it also shows the big picture for the November 2024 elections, so it’s very important. This is about saving the country and it’s about common sense government,” Pillip said. ” he said. “We cannot afford to lose this election.”
Pillip’s most vocal supporters in Congress are the New York Republicans who led the effort to oust Santos, including Long Island Rep. Nick Larota (RN.Y.). , told Fox News Digital that he was confident Republicans would retain the seat.
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“So… there are four M’s to winning this election in NY-3 — message, money, people, and in this case, seriousness,” Larota said. “We’re on the front lines of the border. You know Republicans have common sense solutions to fix the border. The same goes for inflation, and our economic policy is The right one that provides the right solution to the problems facing Long Island and India.” Queens resident. ”
But Democratic operatives familiar with the campaign suggested that in addition to his focus on local issues, Mr. Suozzi would have an advantage with voters tired of the Republican majority in the House. That includes the many scandals Santos saw before he was ousted on federal charges and a damning Ethics Commission report into misappropriation of funds.
Rep. Nick Larota (RN.Y.) is one of Pilip’s supporters. (Getty Images)
“We are holding a special election because Republicans have repeatedly defended George Santos,” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) spokeswoman Ellie Daugherty told Fox News Digital. He noted the silence of House Republican leadership amid the factional calls.
However, LaLota denied that Santos would become an anchor for the Republican Party.
“George Santos is a lunatic. Republicans, Democrats and independents know that. We’re not afraid to admit that reality,” LaRota said. “I think we have a tremendous amount of trust from voters because we have been very open and honest about this and we Long Island Republicans led the campaign to remove him.”
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The Democratic Party operative said the leftist message in the last part emphasized Suozzi’s decades of political experience and bipartisanship, while accusing Pilip of being inexperienced and unvetted, calling her Santos. He said it was an attempt to connect him with Mr.
But Pilip refuted those accusations on Friday, telling Fox News Digital that his background had been extensively investigated in the wake of Santos’ case, and that he had discussed his history as an Israeli-American immigrant and IDF soldier. “I’m very proud,” he added.
She also accused Suozzi of being a “career politician” who portrayed himself as a moderate while voting for progressive policies during his time in the House.
Republicans are trying to link Suozzi to progressives and President Biden. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
“Yes, he has name recognition, but you know, people remember him because of his bad policies,” Pilip said.
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The DCCC said of Pilip, “Maji Pilip says nothing about issues that matter to voters. Even when it comes to immigration and border security, she just spews talking points given to her by extreme Republican leaders…Meanwhile, Tom Suozzi He has a long track record of work.” With someone who can deliver for Nassau County and Queens. ”
“Tom Suozzi and Joe Biden created an immigration crisis that is wreaking havoc in New York, but voters have had enough,” a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee told Fox News Digital about the campaign. “Mazi Pilip is and will continue to be a strong and formidable candidate.” Stand up to Biden and stop illegal immigrants from coming to New York. ”
Fox News Digital reached out to Suozzi’s team several times for comment, but did not receive a response.
