Staff Reports
In a recent contest for New York’s 3rd Congressional District, Republican candidate Mazi Pilip went head-to-head against Democratic incumbent Rep. Tom Suozzi, ultimately falling short by a margin of 7 points. However, Pilip didn’t mince words when expressing her regret over not seeking the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, a decision she now views as a mistake. "Disregard the fake news that I don't support Trump. I'm a Trump supporter through and through. He was a great President. It was my blunder not to pursue his endorsement," Pilip passionately declared on X.
The congressional seat Pilip vied for had previously been held by former Republican Rep. George Santos before his exit from the House of Representatives. The loss of this seat marks a victory for Democrats, reclaiming territory that had shifted to the red column in 2022.
Fake news that I do not support Trump. I love Trump. Great President. My mistake not seeking his endorsement. #MAGA2024@NassauExec @DanScavino@JasonMillerinDC
— Mazi Melesa Pilip (@maziforcongress) February 29, 2024
Throughout her campaign, Pilip maintained that she would only withdraw her backing for Trump if he were convicted of a crime. With 91 felony charges hanging over him, she underscored, "No one is exempt from the law. If he's found guilty of a crime, he can't serve as our representative. Until that happens, if he's the nominee, I'll stand by him."
Following her defeat, Trump didn't hold back, branding Pilip as a "very foolish woman" for not actively seeking his endorsement. He even raised doubts about her Republican credentials, suggesting that she might still harbor Democratic allegiances. In a fiery post on Truth Social, Trump remarked, "I have nearly a 99% success rate in endorsements for primaries, and a very respectable number in general elections. Yet, I just witnessed this very foolish woman, Mazi Melesa Pilip, running in a race where she didn't endorse me and tried to 'straddle the fence,' when she would have easily WON if she understood anything about MODERN DAY politics in America."
Despite her electoral setback, Pilip disclosed on Instagram that she has recently switched party affiliations, transitioning from being a registered Democrat to firmly aligning herself with the Republican Party. This party switch comes at a critical juncture for Republicans, who cling to a narrow majority in Congress with a delicate 219-213 lead. As they approach a pivotal election year, New York races could significantly sway the balance of power in the chamber.
