Disgraced former Congressmember George Santos showed up at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address last night. Santos was kicked out of the House late last year after an ethics investigation revealed evidence of fraud, but he still has the privilege of attending the State of the Union address.
He then declared that he’s running for Congress again.
Santos could be seen conversing with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) – who is presently undergoing an ethics probe himself for allegedly sexually abusing a minor – and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), who is one of the most anti-LGBTQ+ members of the House.
At one point, he and Boebert embraced.
He also conversed briefly with Reps. Al Green (D-TX) and Joe Negus (D-CO).
Santos was apparently not impressed with Biden’s speech, calling him a “weak, frail president” who “lies to the American people from inside the chambers.”
While he was insulting Biden, he announced his reelection campaign.
“After a lot of prayer and conversation with my friends and family, I have made a very important decision that will shake things up,” he said. “Tonight, I want to announce that I will be returning to the arena of politics and challenging Nick for the battle over [New York’s First Congressional District]. I look forward to debating him on the issues and on his weak record as a Republican. The fight for our majority is imperative for the survival of the country.”
Santos represented New York’s Third Congressional District for the brief period that he was in Congress. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY), who currently represents New York’s First Congressional District, was part of a group of New York Republicans who led the effort to expel Santos. The First is near the Third and includes less densely populated areas of eastern Long Island.
Santos also mentioned that he “left office arbitrarily,” but a community note on X reminded readers that he was expelled from the House and is currently indicted for “multiple fraudulent schemes.”
A spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee stated that George Santos is called a liar and a grifter, and has been disgraced and kicked out of Congress. The spokesperson also said that Santos' decision to challenge Nik LaLota, a vulnerable New York Republican, shows the Republicans' messy and chaotic attempt to keep control of the House.
The New York congressional primary will happen on June 25. Santos has stated that he is not guilty of the criminal charges against him.
