Early voting has commenced in the special election to fill the vacancy left by former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) in New York’s 3rd congressional district, a pivotal swing seat that has garnered attention from both Democrats and Republicans.
The election, triggered by Santos’ expulsion from Congress in December due to numerous fabrications during the 2022 campaign and federal indictments, has become a focal point for political observers. Early voting began on Saturday, with Election Day scheduled for Feb. 13. The district encompasses areas of Queens and Nassau County on Long Island.
Following Santos’ removal, New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) was obligated by state law to announce the special election within 10 days. In response, both the Republican and Democratic parties swiftly selected their candidates.
Representing the Republican Party is Mazi Melesa Pilip, who was nominated in December. Pilip, originally from Ethiopia, immigrated to Israel at the age of 12.
She served in the Israeli Defense Forces before pursuing higher education and eventually relocating to the United States with her American spouse. Pilip’s political career includes serving as a GOP Nassau County legislator since 2021, where she won a Democratic-held seat.
Despite her previous Democratic affiliation, Pilip ran as a Republican in both the 2021 and 2023 elections, securing reelection in the latter, according to reports by Politico.
