Former New York Congressman George Santos announced a surprise comeback campaign while attending the State of the Union (SOTU).
Santos, who attended President Biden’s speech on Thursday, posted a campaign announcement on social media site X while the SOTU speech was still going on.
“I have witnessed a weak and frail president spew abuse and lies to the American people from inside the chamber. I have made some personal sacrifices in the name of serving the American people. My promise is that I will never back down out of love for this country,” Santos wrote.
Former Rep. George Santos returns to Capitol Hill for Biden’s State of the Union address
Former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) sits with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) during President Biden’s State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. left).direct current (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
“Thanks to RINOs and empty suits like Nick Larota, there has been no true conservative representation in New York since I resigned arbitrarily,” the former congressman continued. “He is a man who is willing to risk the future of the majority of our people and the future of this country for his own political gain. After much prayer and conversation with friends and family. I made a very important decision that shook things up.”
Mr. Santos, who was previously elected to New York’s 3rd Congressional District but was later expelled, has announced he will run against fellow Republican Representative Nicholas Larota in the 1st Congressional District.
“Tonight I would like to announce that I am returning to the political arena and taking on Mr. Nick,” Santos wrote. [New York 1st Congressional District]. I look forward to discussing this issue and his weak record as a Republican with him. The fight to protect our nation’s majority is essential to our nation’s survival. ”
Embattled Republican Rep. George Santos kicked out of home
President Biden delivered the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The former New York Republican congressman was ousted following a damning House Ethics Committee report that found he misused campaign funds on luxury goods, OnlyFans, and more.
Mr. Santos has not been convicted of a crime, but has been charged with multiple crimes, including wire fraud, identity theft, falsifying records and credit card fraud. He maintained his innocence.
Santos told reporters it was his first time returning to the building since he was expelled from the House along with 105 other Republicans in a bipartisan policy late last year. join the democratic party By voting him out.
Former Congressman George Santos (right), Republican from New York, in the House chamber before the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Julia Nickinson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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He said he was there to watch the prime-time speech, noting that as a former lawmaker he still holds privileges that include access to the House chamber during the session.
“I just visited with some colleagues in a very bipartisan manner,” Santos said.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
