The process of selecting a nominee for the upcoming special election to replace George Santos in Nassau County, New York, is officially underway. According to Mike Deery, the spokesperson for the Nassau County Republican Party, the selection process is expected to be concluded within the week and is set to precede the special election, projected to be held in February.
“We’re conducting interviews already and will continue to on Monday or Tuesday. We expect to have an announcement towards the end of the week,” Deery told CNN.
Potential favorites among the GOP hopefuls include State Sen. Jack Martins, Nassau County lawmaker Mazi Pilip, war veteran Kellen Curry, and retired police officer Mike Sapraicone. Deery noted that at least 20 individuals are likely to be granted an interview as part of the selection process.
On the Democratic front, sources indicated to CNN that former Rep. Tom Suozzi is the expected choice of Long Island Democrats. However, New York State Democratic Party chair Jay Jacobs stated that the decision ultimately lies with the committee of county chairs in the district with the open seat, which includes Jacobs and Rep. Gregory Meeks.
Consultations will also be made with New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, with informal screenings already underway. Jacobs emphasized that the decision will be made by consensus and is not expected to be a contentious process.
However, Jacobs did express his reservations regarding Suozzi’s decision to challenge Hochul in 2022. Despite this, he made it clear that it would not be a disqualifying factor in the decision-making process.
