Mazi Melesa Pilip

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Mazi Melesa Pilip
Pilip in 2023
Member of the Nassau County Legislature
from the 10th district
Assumed office
January 1, 2022
Preceded byEllen Birnbaum
Personal details
Born1978 or 1979 (age 44–45)
Ethiopia
Citizenship
  • United States
  • Israel
Political partyRepublican (before 2012, 2024–present)[1]
Democratic (2012–2024)[a]
Other political
affiliations		Republican Caucus (2022–present)
Spouse
Adalbert Pilip
​
(m. 2005)​
Children7
EducationUniversity of Haifa (BA)
Tel Aviv University (MA)
WebsiteCounty website
Campaign website
Military service
Allegiance Israel
Branch/serviceIsrael Defense Forces
UnitParatroopers Brigade

Mazi Melesa Pilip[b] (born 1978 or 1979)[3] is an American politician in the Nassau County Legislature representing the 10th district. A Republican, she is an Ethiopian Jew who immigrated to Israel when she was 12 years old and later served as a gunsmith in the Israel Defense Force. After her IDF service, she attended college at the University of Haifa and graduate school at Tel Aviv University. She immigrated to the United States in 2005.

Since 2021, Pilip has been a member of the Nassau County Legislature. While registered as a Democrat from 2012-2024, she ran for the legislature on the Republican ballot line.[4] In 2024, she was the Republican nominee for the U.S. House from New York's 3rd district in the special election following the expulsion of Republican George Santos, losing to Democrat Tom Suozzi.[5][6]

Early and personal life[edit]

Pilip was born in extreme poverty in a small village in rural Ethiopia that did not have electricity or running water, and is an Ethiopian Jew.[7][8][9][10][11] She immigrated to Israel in 1991 as a refugee when she was 12 years old, along with her family, as part of Operation Solomon.[12][11] The operation was an Israeli military operation that covertly airlifted over 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in a day and a half.[11][10] She has three sisters, all of whom live in Israel, and one of whom is a detective.[13][14]

Upon turning 18 years of age, she served Israel's mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Force's Paratroopers Brigade (Tzanchanim) as a gunsmith.[9][11][15] After her service in the army, Pilip studied at the University of Haifa, where she was chairwoman of the Ethiopian Student Union for two years, and earned a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy.[9][13][10][12] She also studied at Tel Aviv University, earning a masters degree in diplomacy and security.[9][13][10][12]

While at the University of Haifa she met her future husband, Adalbert Pilip, who had been born in Ukraine.[7] He was an American-Ukrainian-Jewish medical student from a family of Holocaust survivors who had come from the United States to Haifa to study medicine at the Technion, later becoming a cardiologist.[10][11][12]

After she and her husband married, they moved to the United States in 2005, ultimately settling in Great Neck, New York.[11][10][7] She is an Orthodox Jew, has been vice president of her synagogue (Kol Yisrael Achim), and has been active in trying to revitalize Great Neck and in pro-Israel advocacy.[12] She and her husband have seven children.[12][16]

Political career[edit]

Nassau County Legislature[edit]

In November 2021, Pilip was elected to New York's Nassau County Legislature as a Republican legislator for Nassau County, Long Island's 10th district, flipping it by defeating four-term incumbent Democrat Ellen Birnbaum by seven percentage points.[3][10][11][17] The district covers Manhasset, Manhasset Hills, North Hills, Searingtown, Herricks, and the nine villages on the Great Neck peninsula, and is just east of New York City.[18][19] She gave birth to twin daughters weeks before the election.[12]

Pilip campaigned on reviving Great Neck's downtown, and acting as a bridge among the many minority communities in the district.[12][19][20] She became the first-ever Republican from Great Neck to be elected a Nassau County Legislator.[21][22] Her priorities have also included public safety, helping businesses that struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and fighting antisemitism.[23][10][12] She is chairwoman of the Nassau County Legislature Towns, Villages & Cities Committee, and vice chairwoman of its Health & Social Services Committee.[24]

In November 2023, she won a second term as Nassau County legislator representing District 10 as a Republican (endorsed by the Conservative Party) with 60% of the vote.[25][26] She had been endorsed by the New York League of Conservation Voters, which cited her driving legislation transferring county land to the Great Neck Park District, approving funding for a streets initiative and water quality protection, and supporting efforts to protect the county's sole source aquifer.[27] Conservative donor and former US Ambassador to Austria Ronald Lauder was her biggest single donor during her race.[28] She dedicated her win to Israel.[26]

Congressional campaign[edit]

As early as January 2023, Pilip name was put forward as a potential candidate should a special election be held to replace George Santos, who had been plagued by scandal since being elected in 2022, as representative for New York's 3rd congressional district in the 118th United States Congress.[11][12] In December 2023, Santos was expelled, leaving the seat vacant.[11]

On December 14, 2023, a panel of Republicans from Queens and Nassau Counties selected Pilip as the Republican nominee in the special election scheduled for February 13, 2024 to succeed Santos after his expulsion.[5] The Nassau County legislative district that Pilip represented was part of the 3rd congressional district.[29] The panel chose her after considering more than 20 candidates.[30][31] Her opponent in the general election was Tom Suozzi, the district's former representative in Congress.[6]

Although Pilip held office as a Republican and has adopted traditional Republican positions on certain issues, she was a registered Democrat.[2] The campaign was largely fought on the issue of migration into the United States.[32] Pilip agreed to participate in only one debate during the campaign, after early voting had started.[33][34]

Pilip lost the election to Suozzi on February 13, 2024.[6]

Political positions[edit]

Abortion[edit]

Pilip has described herself as "pro-life" while stating that "abortion is a very personal decision".[35][36] She has said that she would not support a national abortion ban.[35][36][37] However, she has refused to answer questions regarding restoring Roe v. Wade or her position on restrictions that fall short of a national ban.[38]

Antisemitism[edit]

Pilip has spoken out against antisemitism in the United States, and in particular antisemitism on American college campuses.[39][40][41]

Crime[edit]

Pilip has made combatting rising crime rates and improving public safety a key focus of her platform, and cites it as a motivator for her campaign.[7][42]

Gun control[edit]

When an audience member during a debate asked Pilip and Tom Suozzi whether they support a ban on the type of assault weapons frequently used in mass shootings, Pilip said, "I don't see any reason why the average American or individual would have more powerful weapons than our cops" but did not answer whether she supported banning semiautomatic weapons like AR-15s.[38]

Israel[edit]

Support for Israel is viewed as a key issue in New York's 3rd congressional district, with both candidates underlining their staunch support of Israel with Pilip highlighting her service with the IDF's Paratroopers Brigade.[43] She vocally supported Israel's response to the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, stating that Israel had an "obligation" to protect its civilians from terrorists.[44]

Taxes[edit]

Pilip is in favor of taxes being low, and views taxes as one of the main issues for the district.[45][46][47]

Donald Trump[edit]

Regarding the multiple indictments facing Donald Trump, Pilip has said: "Trump has to go through his process" and "No one's above the law. We have great candidates right now. Trump is one of them. We'll wait and see. Whoever the nominee is, we'll support him all the way."[48][49] She added that she would not support Trump for president if he is convicted of a crime.[50]

Ukraine[edit]

Pilip is in favor of continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.[51][52]

Mexico–United States border crisis[edit]

Pilip is opposed to the 2024 U.S. Senate bill to address the Mexico–United States border crisis, saying its passage would amount to "the legalization of the invasion of our country".[53] She was endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council labor union in February 2024.[54][55]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Pilip had been a registered Democrat since 2012, but was elected to the Nassau County Legislature in 2021 and 2023 as a Republican.[2]
  2. ^ Hebrew: מזי מלסה פיליפ; Amharic: ማዚ መለሳ ፒሊፕ

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Bobby Cuza (December 14, 2023). "GOP nominates Nassau legislator Mazi Pilip to run for Santos' seat". NY1.
  3. ^ a b Ferrette, Candice (November 3, 2021). "GOP maintains control, gains a seat on the Nassau legislature". Newsday.
  4. ^ Beeferman, Jason; Coltin, Jeff; Reisman, Nick; Ngo, Emily (December 6, 2023). "A problem with a possible Santos successor". Politico.com. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Fandos, Nicholas (December 14, 2023). "Republicans Tap Israeli Military Veteran to Run for Santos's Seat". The New York Times.
  6. ^ a b c "Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York race to succeed George Santos in Congress". AP News. February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d Kassel, Matthew (December 19, 2023). "Mazi Melesa Pilip discusses her policy platform in pivotal special election". Jewish Insider.
  8. ^ Laura Nahmias and Christian Hall (December 14, 2023). "In Race to Replace George Santos, NY GOP Taps Ethiopia-Born IDF Vet". Bloomberg.
  9. ^ a b c d Kylie Ora Lobell (January 29, 2023). "From an Ethiopian Village to the NY Legislature". Aish.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h Kornbluh, Jacob (November 29, 2021). "This one-time refugee and former Israeli paratrooper just won a seat in her county legislature". The Forward.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i Margulies, Joanie (January 22, 2023). "Will George Santos be replaced by an Ethiopian-Jewish legislator?". The Jerusalem Post.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kampeas, Ron (January 19, 2023). "Meet the real Jewish Republican of color being floated to replace George Santos, the fake one". JTA.
  13. ^ a b c Schwamm, Susan (January 6, 2022). "From Ethiopia to the IDF to the Nassau County Legislature; TJH Speaks with Leg. Mazi Melesa Pilip". Five Towns Jewish Home.
  14. ^ Shivonne, Adeja (December 14, 2023). "New York GOP selects Mazi Pilip as nominee to fill George Santos seat". FOX 5 NY.
  15. ^ "New York Republicans choose ex-Israel Defense Forces soldier as nominee to replace George Santos". NBC News. December 19, 2023.
  16. ^ Houghtaling, Ellie Quinlan (December 14, 2023). "Republicans Have a Replacement for George Santos—and She's a Doozy". The New Republic. ISSN 2169-2416. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  17. ^ Bolger, Timothy (December 6, 2021). "Red Wave Brings Political Sea Change on Long Island". Long Island Press.
  18. ^ Makini Brice (December 14, 2023). "N.Y. Republicans pick Pilip to seek George Santos' former seat in Congress," Reuters.
  19. ^ a b Pelaez, Robert (November 23, 2021). "Mazi Pilip says she wants to help revitalize downtowns, combat hate in 10th Legislative District". The Island Now.
  20. ^ "Legislator Pilip's Advocacy Helped Save Express Trains in Great Neck". Great Neck Record. October 12, 2022.
  21. ^ Sheeline, Will (December 14, 2023). "Republicans select Mazi Melesa Pilip as candidate for 3rd Congressional District". Long Island Herald; Glen Head.
  22. ^ O’Neill, Chris (November 8, 2021). "Republicans Sweep in Historic Election Wins". The North Shore Leader.
  23. ^ "Nassau County Legislator Pilip Honors Detectives Who Busted Catalytic Converter Ring". Great Neck Record. January 11, 2023.
  24. ^ "District 10 – Mazi Melesa Pilip | Nassau County, NY – Official Website". Nassau County New York.
  25. ^ Oakes, Cameryn (October 31, 2023). "Legislator Pilip advocates for continued collaboration with constituents in re-election bid".
  26. ^ a b Brandon Duffy, Cameryn Oakes, Karina Kovac (November 8, 2023). "Nassau Republicans maintain 12–7 control of the county Legislature".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ "Mazi Melesa Pilip". New York League of Conservation Voters.
  28. ^ Austin C. Jefferson (December 14, 2023). "5 things to know about Mazi Pilip". City & State NY.
  29. ^ Makini Brice (December 14, 2023). "N.Y. Republicans Pick Pilip to Seek George Santos' Former Seat in Congress," U.S. News & World Report.
  30. ^ "GOP expected to nominate former IDF soldier to fill George Santos' vacated House seat: officials". ABC7 New York. December 14, 2023.
  31. ^ LaRocco, Paul (December 15, 2023). "GOP picks Mazi Melesa Pilip to run in special election to replace ousted George Santos". Newsday.
  32. ^ "New York 3rd Congressional District Special Election Results". The New York Times. February 13, 2024.
  33. ^ Malaszczyk, Michael (December 28, 2023). "Tom Suozzi, Mazi Pilip Set For Feb. 8 Debate". www.longislandpress.com.
  34. ^ Eidler, Scott (January 5, 2024). "Tom Suozzi says Mazi Melesa Pilip is dodging debates in 3rd District special election".
  35. ^ a b Picket, Kerry (December 19, 2023). "New York GOP-backed candidate for Santos seat says she won't back abortion ban". The Washington Times. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  36. ^ a b Coltin, Jeff; Ngo, Emily; Reisman, Nick (December 20, 2023). "Life imitates New York political art". POLITICO.
  37. ^ Duffy, Brandon (January 3, 2024). "Suozzi presses Pilip for more debates ahead of special election - Featured".
  38. ^ a b Fandos, Nicholas (February 9, 2024). "Who Will Replace George Santos? Takeaways From the Pilip-Suozzi Debate". The New York Times. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  39. ^ Rebecca Greenberg (October 26, 2023). "Columbia University students hold pro-Israel, pro-Palestine rallies". ny1.com.
  40. ^ Ron Kampeas (December 15, 2023). "GOP picks Ethiopian-born Israeli-American to run for seat of expelled NY Rep. Santosl; Nassau County legislator and former IDF paratrooper Mazi Pilip to face off against Democratic former congressman Tom Suozzi in February 13 special election". The Times of Israel.
  41. ^ Eidler, Scott (January 1, 2024). "Mazi Melesa Pilip, GOP's pick to replace George Santos, has had quiet, brief tenure in Nassau Legislature". Newsday.
  42. ^ Sheeline, Will (December 22, 2023). "House of Representative candidate Mazi Melesa Pilip 'leads by example'". Herald Community Newspapers.
  43. ^ Ngo, Emily (December 15, 2023). "Support for Israel at heart of crucial New York special election". POLITICO. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  44. ^ "Israel has 'an obligation' to protect their people: Mazi Melesa Pilip | Fox Business Video". Fox Business. October 31, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  45. ^ "5 things to know about Mazi Pilip". City & State NY. December 14, 2023.
  46. ^ Maegan Vazquez and Azi Paybarah (December 15, 2023) "GOP-backed Pilip to face ex-congressman Suozzi to replace Santos in special election; The Feb. 13 race in New York is expected to be competitive and could be a bellwether for control of the House in 2024," The Washington Post.
  47. ^ Justic, Michele (December 17, 2023). "Endorsements Roll In For Hopeful Santos Replacement Mazi Melesa Pilip". The 5 Towns Jewish Times.
  48. ^ Edelson, Daniel; York, New (December 20, 2023). "An IDF veteran could be the first Israeli in the US House of Representatives". Ynetnews. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  49. ^ Kassel, Matthew (December 19, 2023). "Mazi Melesa Pilip discusses her policy platform in pivotal special election". Jewish Insider. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  50. ^ "Mazi Pilip, GOP candidate in NY, won't support Trump if criminally convicted". PIX11. January 31, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  51. ^ Ngo, Emily (December 15, 2023). "Support for Israel at heart of crucial New York special election". POLITICO.
  52. ^ Sophie Krichevsky (December 21, 2023). "GOP selects Pilip for special election". Queens Chronicle.
  53. ^ Gambino, Lauren (February 15, 2024). "Democrats see New York election win as model for tackling immigration issue". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  54. ^ Fandos, Nicholas (February 8, 2024). "Migrant Crisis Complicates Democrats' Bid to Regain George Santos's Seat". The New York Times.
  55. ^ Rivoli, Dan (February 7, 2024). "Mazi Pilip gets border patrol support in NY-3 election". Spectrum News.

External links[edit]

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