Former U.S. Rep. George Santos of New York has announced that he will leave the Republican Party and run as an independent in an attempt to return to Congress. Santos made this decision after criticizing the GOP-controlled House of Representatives for approving a $1.2 trillion spending package. He expressed his disappointment in the party, stating that he could no longer affiliate himself with a party that he believes stands for nothing and falls for everything. Santos had previously announced his candidacy to challenge Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in the GOP primary in an eastern Long Island district.
In December, Santos became the sixth member in history to be expelled by his fellow House colleagues due to a critical House Ethics Committee report that found overwhelming evidence of lawbreaking by Santos. He is facing federal fraud charges, including lying to Congress about his wealth, receiving undeserved unemployment benefits, and using campaign contributions for personal expenses like designer clothing. Despite pleading not guilty, Santos will face trial in September, following the primary. The former congressman has previously admitted to lying about his job experience and college education during his previous campaign.
Reacting to Santos’ decision to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent, New York Republicans, including Rep. Nick LaLota, criticized him for his actions. LaLota described Santos’ expulsion from Congress as good for the nation and believes Santos’ resignation from the Republican Party is good for commonsense conservatives. Jesse Garcia, the Suffolk County GOP chair, also criticized Santos, calling it a continuation of his need for celebrity status and stating that there is no appetite among voters for the Santos circus to continue. Santos, in response, criticized LaLota and Democratic candidate John Avlon in social media postings.
Santos’ expulsion from Congress and subsequent decision to run as an independent has stirred controversy and divided opinions within the political landscape. While some criticize Santos for his alleged fraudulent activities and lies, others view his decision to leave the Republican Party as a stand against what he perceives as a lack of integrity within the party. As the former congressman prepares for trial and the upcoming primary election, it remains to be seen how his actions will impact his chances of returning to Congress and how voters will respond to his campaign as an independent candidate. The race for the eastern Long Island district seat promises to be competitive and closely watched by political observers.
