How is he able to still run?
On Thursday night, former Representative George Santos made a public declaration of his intention to vie for New York’s 1st Congressional District, setting the stage for a showdown against a fellow Republican who played a role in his expulsion from Congress.
In a tweet posted during President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, Santos announced his candidacy, taking aim at Rep. Nick LaLota, whom he referred to as an exemplar of what he termed “RINO, empty suits.” Santos emphasized his aspiration to reintroduce what he perceives as genuine conservatism to New York, lamenting the absence of such representation since his departure from office.
The announcement garnered attention, prompting inquiries from various quarters, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who expressed surprise at Santos’ decision.
Responding to Santos’ bid, LaLota framed his campaign as a mission to uphold congressional standards and confront what he labeled as falsehoods propagated by Santos. LaLota’s stance reflects his determination to hold Santos accountable, both politically and morally, for alleged misconduct during his tenure.
Santos, who previously represented New York’s 3rd District, found himself embroiled in controversy following revelations about his purported fabrications regarding his background and misuse of campaign funds. Despite vehemently denying the accusations, Santos faced expulsion from the House, a rare and significant rebuke in congressional history.
Since his expulsion, Santos has remained active on social media platforms and in legal battles, notably suing television host Jimmy Kimmel over allegations of fraud and copyright infringement.
However, Santos’ return to the political arena comes amidst ongoing legal challenges, including federal charges ranging from identity theft to campaign finance fraud, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
As Santos embarks on his campaign for the 1st Congressional District, his bid is overshadowed by a tumultuous past, raising questions about his viability as a candidate and the potential implications for the Republican Party in New York.
