13 FEBRUARY 2024

New York Voters Reject Mazi Pilip’s Trumpian Immigration Agenda

Suozzi won over voters with an alternative vision that includes legalization for Dreamers and other long-settled immigrants 

Washington, D.C. - Voters in the NY-03 special election delivered a rousing rejection of GOP candidate Mazi Pilip’s immigration extremism, handing a victory to Democrat Tom Suozzi. Pilip’s loss is the latest example of Donald Trump’s political strategy failing to resonate with voters, who overwhelmingly support a balanced approach to immigration.

According to AdImpact, immigration was the most mentioned issue across broadcast television ads in the NY-03 race. Democratic ad spending on immigration reached just over $6 million, while Republican spending on the issue topped over $8 million–mentioning immigration four times more frequently than any other issue.

Immigration Hub Deputy Director Beatriz Lopez issued the following statement in response:

“While this election will not predict the winners or losers in November, the lesson for President Biden and Democrats is key - no strategy that rushes to the far right or attempts to out-Trump Trump will mobilize voters. Mazi Pilip’s loss is a loss for Donald Trump and his callous plans to deport and detain immigrants en masse. 

“Voters know the immigration system is broken, and support policies in line with America’s values that can address the cracks in our system. What Tom Suozzi showed is that a successful candidate must not allow the attacks to go unanswered and lead with humane and orderly solutions–not more politicking or attacks. Suozzi not only called out the cruelty and incompetence of his opponent’s anti-immigrant rhetoric, he also commanded an offensive strategy that centered on balanced solutions–including legal pathways for Dreamers and other long-settled undocumented communities. 

“Voters want to hear bold and balanced solutions that meet the economic demands of the nation by addressing both border security and immigrants in America. In the absence of bipartisan congressional action, we encourage President Biden and Democrats to not only go on offense in the campaign trail, but also to deliver on their promise to ensure lasting protections for Dreamers and long-settled immigrants, while also continuing to resource the nation’s asylum system and address the root causes of forced migration.” 

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.