After George Santos' impeachment from the House, Republicans are expected to announce former Israeli Mazi Melesa Phillip as their nominee for Santos' seat, ABC reported.
Philip, a 44-year-old mother of seven, previously served in the IDF and now lives in Nassau County, Long Island, where she also holds a position in the state legislature. She will face Tom Socchi, the Democratic challenger who has represented the district in recent years and is well known in the local community.
Philip brings with her a unique personal story. She was born in Ethiopia and immigrated to Israel at the age of 12 as part of Operation Solomon. Later she served in the paratroopers unit and in 2005 moved to the United States with her husband. "I have always been very active in public life, even during my childhood in Israel. I was the voice of young children who wanted equal opportunities," she previously told the Jewish website Forward.
Against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, Philip published posts on social networks about combating anti-Semitism, supporting fundraising for the IDF, and calling for the release of the abductees in Gaza.
"She's the American success story," Peter King, a former Republican congressman, told The New York Times. "Some people have superstar ability. She walks into a room, people notice her, they listen to her."
George Santos leaves the House of Representatives after impeachment, Photo: EPA
However, according to overseas reports, Philip has many difficulties on his way to winning the election. She has almost no experience raising money, lacks relationships with key party figures outside her district, and has never campaigned for such a high office.
Elections for Santos' vacant seat are scheduled for February, depending on New York Governor Kathy Hochul's decision.
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