Now former Congressman George Santos held a press conference on the House Triangle outside of the United States Capitol on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. He has since been expelled from Congress since Friday. Dec. 1, 2023. © Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK
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(Oyster Bay, NY) — George Santos has given up on his Independent run for a Congressional seat on Long Island. The former New York representative, who was expelled from Congress in December had set his eyes on the election in New York’s First District which covers eastern Long Island. Santos says he decided to end his run because he felt right leaning voters would spilt their votes between him and GOP Representative Nick LaLota, handing the election to the Democrats.
Meanwhile, there continues to be a Republican effort to keep Santos out of the U.S. Capitol building. Despite being expelled from Congress, Santos attended last month’s State of the Union address because former members retain House privileges. New York Congressman Anthony D’Esposito has put forward a resolution to modify House rules so that ousted members are banned from the House floor, as well as other areas like the members-only gym and dining room. Santos would also have to give up his member pin, which allows him to easily enter the Capitol.
Santos was hit with 23 charges last year, including campaign finance fraud and identity theft. It is what led him to be expelled from Congress. Santos could face trial this Fall.
