Republican Pilip Agrees To At Least 1 Debate With Suozzi

GLEN COVE, NY — While former congressman Tom Suozzi has agreed to participate in three debates ahead of the Feb. 13 special election to replace George Santos, as the saying goes: "It takes two to tango."

Republican candidate Mazi Melesa Pilip will take part in a News 12 debate on Feb. 8, a spokesperson confirmed to Patch. No other debates have been agreed upon, but they are "actively working on her schedule," campaign spokesperson Aidan Strongreen said.

Pilip, an Ethiopian Jew, settled in Israel where she was an IDF paratrooper. She is a Nassau County Legislator covering Great Neck.

"Mazi Pilip has opened a productive and enjoyable dialogue with the media and the public regarding the issues that are of concern to neighbors," Strongreen said in a statement. "From securing the borders and supporting the police to fixing the economy, Mazi is on the right side of the issues. Her opponent, on the other hand, asked to join 'The Squad.'"

Suozzi previously announced debates with WABC, WNBC and NY1, as the Democrat seeks a return to his 3rd congressional seat in the wake of George Santos' expulsion.

"Tom has demonstrated time and again that he is someone who will put aside politics and work with Democrats and Republicans to get things done," Suozzi campaign adviser Kim Devlin said on Tuesday.