Ex-New York Congressman George Santos Announces Independent Bid for Congress amidst Federal Charges and Expulsion
Former New York Representative George Santos made a shocking announcement on Friday, stating that he would continue his pursuit of a congressional seat as an independent candidate. The news comes after Santos was expelled from the House last year due to numerous federal charges against him.
Santos took to social media to publicly denounce the Republican Party, expressing his disillusionment with a party that he believed had lost its moral compass. He vowed to bring “Ultra MAGA/Trump supporting values” to the ballot in November, while running independently. In his statement, Santos declared, “I cannot, in good conscience, affiliate myself with a party that stands for nothing and falls for everything.”
The former congressman, who previously represented New York’s 3rd Congressional District on Long Island, revealed earlier this month his intention to challenge Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in the neighboring 1st District during President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. LaLota had led the efforts to expel Santos from the House last fall due to allegations of electoral fraud and lying on House disclosure reports.
In response to Santos’ challenge, LaLota expressed his determination to “hold a pathological liar who stole an election accountable.” The outspoken critic stated, “If finishing the job requires beating him in a primary, count me in.”
Santos is currently facing 23 federal charges, including accusations of fraud related to Covid-19 unemployment benefits, misusing campaign funds, and lying about his personal finances on House disclosure reports. To run as an independent in November, Santos must file an independent nominating petition with the signatures of 3,500 voters in New York’s 1st District to the Suffolk County Board of Elections by May 28.
Despite the challenges, Santos remains committed to his political aspirations and aims to bring his unique brand of values to the ballot as an independent. The outcome of this unprecedented race will surely be one to watch, as Santos navigates the complexities of running a campaign while under federal investigation and facing a formidable opponent.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an endorsement of any political candidate. The specific details regarding Santos’ charges and allegations are subject to ongoing investigations, and readers are encouraged to follow reputable news sources for the most current and accurate information.