Republican Mazi Pilip concedes to Democrat Tom Suozzi in NY-03 special election to replace George Santos
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. -- Republican Mazi Pilip conceded to Democrat Tom Suozzi in the special election to replace George Santos in New York's 3rd congressional district Tuesday.
"We are fighters. Yes we lost, but it doesn't mean we're going to end here," Pilip told supporters at her campaign headquarters. "I did call my opponent. I did congratulate him."
Pilip conceded minutes after the Associated Press called Suozzi the projected winner.
"You are hard workers who love this country. So let's keep it up and we're going to continue to fight because we are not going to give up. We're going to bring commonsense government, I promise you," Pilip added.
Snow made it difficult for voters to get to the polls early, but Pilip, the Nassau County legislator, emerged with her GOP entourage at her campaign headquarters in Eisenhower Park.
"I am encouraging everyone to go out to vote. This is the day. We have been working very hard for the last eight weeks," said Pilip earlier in the day.
Watch Pilip's concession speech:
The special election was watched nationwide. Would voters choose another Republican to replace the now-disgraced Santos?
"George Santos is absolutely the past. The issues, really, securing the borders, controlling illegal immigrants coming to our country, to create safe communities, supporting law enforcement, improving our economy. Therefore, I know the third congressional district resident will go out to vote because this election is about saving our country," said Pilip.
Pilip, an Ethiopian-born Jew who emigrated legally to the U.S. from Israel, focused her message almost entirely on the southern border and hoped for crossover voters.
"Border security is number one in my mind," one voter said.
"Yes I'd rather have her in Congress for us. A good, strong woman," another voter said.
"I'm hoping that it's decisive in Mazi's favor. I think she certainly earned it and I think she's the best person for the job. So I'm optimistic and, listen, no matter what happens, she worked very hard and she conducted herself in a way that's exemplary," said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican.
For Pilip, a mother of seven who is married to a Ukrainian-American doctor, issues of abortion, gun control, housing and climate change took a backseat.
To read a profile of candidate Pilip, please click here.