North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena has endorsed Republican George Santos as he makes a bid for the 3rd Congressional District in November.

DeSena, a registered Democrat who ran as a Republican, is currently serving her first term of public office.

“I formally endorse George Santos for Congress in New York’s Third Congressional District. I was elected North Hempstead’s Town SUpervisor to bring some desperately needed change, and my administration is getting things done for our residents,” DeSena said in a statement. “The federal government is in need of change as well, as inflation is hitting record highs and straining the budgets of families. I am confident that George will deliver solutions in Washington D.C. George is a friend and true leader with a passion for the people. He’s about fixing government and getting things done, and that’s the type of representation we need. I look forward to partnering with him to help improve the quality of life for the people of North Hempstead and the entire congressional district.”

Santos, who is running for his first elected public office, said DeSena is an inspiration and problem solver.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena. When the government cannot agree on anything, Supervisor DeSena makes things happen. She is a true inspiration and problem solver,” Santos said. “Supervisor DeSena and I will work together in whatever capacities to shift the accountability back to the elected officials and in the best interest of North Hempstead residents.”

If elected, Santos would become the first openly gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens as would his Democratic challenger Zimmerman.

Santos is running for the seat currently held by Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who is coming off a failed run in the gubernatorial primary, losing to Gov. Kathy Hochul in late June. Suozzi is not on the ballot to retain his seat in Congress.

New district maps were submitted earlier this year by a court-appointed special master and have been viewed as more neutral compared to ones that were rejected by the state Appeals Court several weeks ago.

While the 3rd Congressional District under the new proposal does not extend as far west as the Bronx or Westchester, it does stretch to more southern parts of Nassau County, such as Hicksville and Massapequa. The new lines do exclude the parts of the district that now stretch into Suffolk County, mainly Huntington and Smithtown.

Santos, 34, who ran against Suozzi in 2020, was named a “Young Gun” candidate in the National Republican Congressional Committee’s Young Guns program earlier this year, his campaign said.