Former NY Congressman George Santos Abandons Congressional Bid as Trial Looms

Former Republican Representative George Santos from New York has decided to end his independent campaign for a U.S. House seat on Long Island, citing concerns of potentially splitting the ticket and aiding the Democrats in the upcoming election.

Santos, who was part of the red wave that won him a seat in the U.S. House in the 2022 midterms, faced personal and professional setbacks due to a series of scandals and controversies.

The former congressman, originally backed by prominent New York GOP figures, was later found to have fabricated information about his family’s background, educational achievements, and business experience, including falsely claiming to have been a competitive college volleyball player.

Amidst an ethics probe and criminal charges filed by the Justice Department accusing him of financial fraud, Santos announced his decision to withdraw from the race.

U.S. Attorney Breon Peace detailed that Santos is accused of identity theft and unauthorized credit card charges against his donors.

Santos, who is set to face trial in September, was expelled from Congress in 2023 with substantial Republican support, leaving him as a controversial figure in the political landscape.

John Avlon, a Democratic candidate in the 1st Congressional District, expressed disappointment at Santos’ departure from the race, highlighting the anticipated debates.

Despite his tarnished reputation, Santos hinted that his political career might not be over, stating, ‘It’s only goodbye for now, I’ll be back.’