Expelled former Congressman George Santos (R-NY) says he’s coming back.
Santos was booted in December over alleged fraud and campaign finance violations. He announced in a tweet that he’s running again Thursday evening while attending the State of the Union address — in yet another head-scratching congressional rule, Santos still has floor privileges despite his expulsion.
The disgraced politician said he will challenge U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY). As fate would have it, LaLota played a role in ousting Santos.
“Tonight, I came to the SOTU with an open mind and heart because I believe in the great idea that is the United States of America,” Santos tweeted. “I just witnessed a weak, frail president deliver spin and lies to the American people from inside the chambers.”
Tonight, I came to the SOTU with an open mind and heart because I believe in the great idea that is the United States of America.
I just witnessed a weak, frail president deliver spin and lies to the American people from inside the chambers. I have made several personal…
— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) March 8, 2024
“I have made several personal sacrifices in the name of serving the American people,” he continued. “My promise is that I will never back down because of my love for this country. New York hasn’t had a real conservative represent them since I left office arbitrarily, thanks to RINO, empty suits like @nicklalota. He is willing to risk the future of our majority and the future of this country for his own political gain.”
He then spoke of “a very important decision that will shake things up.”
“Tonight, I want to announce that I will be returning to the arena of politics and challenging Nick for the battle over #NY1. I look forward to debating him on the issues and on his weak record as a Republican,” Santos wrote. “The fight for our majority is imperative for the survival of the country. God bless you all, and we are off to the races!”
It remains to be seen how the voters may feel about a George Santos redux.
It’s not clear if Santos considers his expulsion among the “personal sacrifices” he spoke of, but the claim that he left office “arbitrarily” caught the attention of Community Notes.
“Mr. Santos did not leave office ‘arbitrarily.’ He was expelled in a bipartisan vote while under indictment for ‘multiple fraudulent schemes,” the community-driven content moderation service tagged his tweet.
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story, as seen on x:
Dude you’re going to jail. Stop huffing your own bullshit.
— Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) March 8, 2024
You will have a lot of time to think about it in jail
— reds56 (@Reds56Art) March 8, 2024
Annnnnnnnnnnnnd we’re back
— Steak for Breakfast (@SteakforPodcast) March 8, 2024
George Santos calling out someone for lies?? He wouldn’t know the truth if it bit him in the face!!!
— CookieSchmookie (@SwopeCindy) March 8, 2024
“I have made several personal sacrifices in the name of serving the American people” @nbcsnl Please give this guy a lifetime contract! He is by far the funniest guy on Twitter.
— Jürgen .. ❤️ (@Jurgen80048425) March 8, 2024
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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