In a surprising turn of events, former GOP Representative George Santos, expelled from the House last year and currently facing federal charges, declared his intention to run for Congress again. This time, he’s setting his sights on challenging a fellow Republican congressman in New York.
“Tonight, I am stepping back into the political arena to challenge Nick for the #NY1 seat,” Santos announced on X, referring to GOP Rep. Nick LaLota. “I eagerly anticipate debating him on the issues and his lackluster record as a Republican. The battle for our majority is crucial for our nation’s survival.”
Santos, who previously represented New York’s 3rd District, made his announcement during President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday. He was spotted at the US Capitol during the event.
His entry into the race adds another layer of complexity to the already heated contest in New York, one of several races in the state that could tip the balance of the House majority. However, Santos faces an uphill battle in his comeback attempt, especially considering his personal controversies and the challenge of unseating an incumbent in a June primary.
LaLota swiftly responded to Santos’ announcement. “I led the charge to expel George Santos to raise the standard in Congress and hold accountable a pathological liar who stole an election. If finishing the job means beating him in a primary, I’m ready,” LaLota stated.
Last fall, LaLota introduced a resolution to expel Santos, his fellow New York Republican, arguing that he deserved “to be in prison.” In his campaign announcement, Santos fired back, labeling his former colleague a RINO, or Republican in Name Only. “New York hasn’t had a real conservative represent them since I was forced out of office, thanks to RINO, empty suits like @nicklalota,” he wrote on X.
A host of Democrats are vying to flip New York’s 1st District, which Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates as Lean Republican. Among the leading Democratic contenders are John Avlon, a former CNN commentator, and Nancy Goroff, a professor emeritus at Stony Brook University who lost a bid for the House in 2020.
“Bring it on,” Avlon said in a statement Thursday night responding to Santos’ new campaign.
The Santos for Congress campaign filed organization paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday night, indicating his intention to run in the 1st District. The campaign’s new filing revealed the return of a treasurer who previously worked for Santos.
Santos is the sixth lawmaker ever to be expelled from the chamber. He has pleaded not guilty to 23 federal charges, including allegations of fraud related to Covid-19 unemployment benefits, misuse of campaign funds, and lying about his personal finances on House disclosure reports.
This story has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Haley Talbot contributed to this report.