Former President Donald Trump expressed disappointment and criticism towards Republican congressional candidate Mazi Melesa Pilip following her defeat to Democrat Tom Suozzi in the race for George Santos’ former New York seat. Trump’s remarks were posted on Truth Social and reported by Mediaite on February 14, 2024.
Trump questioned Pilip’s party allegiance, noting her previous registration as a Democrat until 2012. He lamented Pilip’s failure to endorse him and accused her of attempting to straddle the fence in her campaign strategy, which he believed cost her victory.
Emphasizing the significance of the MAGA movement within the Republican Party, Trump blamed Pilip for not rallying enough support from this base. He opted not to intervene in the race, expressing a desire for affection, and urged the party to nominate a more suitable candidate for the November elections.
Trump expressed confidence in Suozzi’s potential defeat, claiming familiarity with the Democrat, and urged for a stronger Republican presence in the district.
Pilip, originally from Ethiopia and having immigrated to Israel before settling in the US, secured just over 46% of the vote in the election against Suozzi. Her defeat marked a shift in the district, previously held by Suozzi until Santos won in 2017. Santos was later expelled from Congress, leading to the recent election that Pilip lost.
