Former GOP Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives late last year due to federal charges of fraud and campaign finance violations, raised no money in March toward his bid to get back into Congress. His campaign committee, “Santos for Congress,” reported no contributions or expenditures within the month. Santos stated that he will not be raising any money until he is confirmed on the ballot to counter accusations of running solely to “grift” money from supporters.
Santos, who represented New York’s 3rd Congressional District for 11 months before his expulsion, is facing a 23-count federal indictment for money laundering and defrauding donors. Despite the charges, he has pleaded not guilty to all of them. The House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Santos also revealed that he had used campaign funds for personal expenses such as X-rated OnlyFans subscriptions, Botox injections, and lavish trips. The committee’s report indicated “substantial evidence” of criminal activity by Santos.
The decision to delay fundraising until after confirmation on the ballot is an intentional move by Santos to show that only confirmed ballot access candidates should be raising money. He aims to set a standard to dispel allegations of wanting to make money off the campaign. Santos announced his intention to challenge Rep. Nick LaLota in November after attending President Biden’s State of the Union address on March 7. Despite being expelled by a vote of 311-114, with LaLota among the lawmakers supporting his removal, Santos vowed to continue his political journey based on his love for the country.
Santos’ claims of not raising money until confirmed on the ballot have raised questions and concerns regarding the transparency and sincerity of his intentions. The former congressman’s reputation has been tarnished by the allegations and investigations into his financial misconduct. The impact of the lack of fundraising efforts on his campaign’s viability and success remains to be seen as he navigates the legal challenges and public scrutiny surrounding his candidacy. The contentious relationship between Santos, LaLota, and the GOP adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming election in the 1st Congressional District of New York.
Despite the absence of financial support in March, George Santos remains determined to pursue his political ambitions and challenge Rep. Nick LaLota in the upcoming election. His decision to delay fundraising is a strategic move to counter accusations of financial exploitation and demonstrate his commitment to the electoral process. The ongoing legal battle and ethical concerns surrounding Santos’ past actions have overshadowed his campaign, raising doubts among voters and stakeholders about his credibility and suitability for public office. Moving forward, Santos faces an uphill battle to rebuild his reputation and convince constituents that he is a trustworthy and capable candidate for Congress.
