Candidates Face Off In Fiery Special Election Debate For Santos' Seat

WOODBURY, NY — The only debate between the candidates vying to replace George Santos in Congress took place Thursday night on News 12.

The gloves were off as Tom Suozzi highlighted his political experience while pointing out what he deemed as his opponent's lack of leadership.

The migrant crisis was a hot topic for Suozzi and Republican Mazi Pilip in the town hall-style format.

"I will continue to build the wall," Pilip said. "I'm going to make sure to increase the number of border patrol agents."

Suozzi, the former congressman for the 3rd District, blasted his opponent for not supporting the bipartisan deal in Washington. "When you say you're so concerned about the border... She has no solutions whatsoever."

Pilip countered: "It's amazing. You're coming up with this solution. You created this issue; you were there. You were in charge of this problem, Tom. Admit it."

Pilip's campaign manager Brian Devine told Patch: "Mazi Pilip exposed Tom Suozzi for being Joe Biden's accomplice in creating the migrant crisis and held Suozzi accountable for lying about her position on abortion."

A question about reproduction led to a fiery exchange between the candidates:

"You and your party leaders have been lying about my position when it comes to women's rights,"
Pilip said. "I would never risk women's healthcare. I would fight for women's rights."

Suozzi replied: "Are you pro-choice?"

Pilip, who has seven children, said: "It is a personal decision, a personal choice. Every woman should have that choice. I'm not going to tell her what to do."

"So you're pro-choice?" Suozzi asked.

"Again, this is a personal choice," Pilip said.

"Just say you’re pro-choice, then," Suozzi went on.

"I’m Mazi Pilip. I am pro-life," she said.

"Mazi Pilip’s performance was incredibly unsettling," Suozzi senior advisor Kim Devlin said of the debate. "Pilip was completely uninformed, constantly repeated scripted talking points, and grew increasingly erratic over being challenged on issues."

Born in Ethiopia, Pilip is a Jew who spent many years in Israel and was a member of the IDF.

"I have been fighting antisemitism for the last three years," Pilip said. "Unfortunately, we are not educating our children enough about hate and antisemitism. In Congress, I will hold accountable everyone."

Both responded to the question of bringing back integrity in the wake of Santos' tenure in Congress.

Santos was expelled from Congress in December when the third attempt to remove the embattled representative was successful.

Santos was only the sixth member of Congress to be expelled. The final vote tally was 311 votes for expulsion, including 105 Republicans.

Santos, former congressional representative of the 3rd District, which covers Queens and Nassau counties, pleaded not guilty to 23 federal fraud and conspiracy counts. It was discovered following his election win that the majority of his resume was fabricated. While Santos survived an earlier expulsion vote, the House Ethics Committee concluded that Santos committed federal crimes and violated the ethics of Congress. The report found "substantial evidence" of wrongdoing as Santos engaged in personal purchases, including Botox treatment and luxury shopping sprees, using campaign funds.

"I'm very proud of myself, everything I achieved in my life, everything with hard work," Pilip said. "I will continue to serve the American people with integrity. We should not allow anyone who's lying to represent us ever again."

Suozzi said: "There were "a lot of inconsistencies in your answers. That's why debates are important — so people can fully vet the candidates and understand what they stand for. How can you run for Congress in this post-George Santos world and not be completely transparent? It's shocking to me."

Voting in the special election to fill the disgraced Santos' seat takes place on Tuesday.