Ex-Congressman Santos to Enter Race as Independent Candidate

Former Rep. George Santos announced his departure from the Republican Party and his decision to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming New York House race.

“I am officially suspending my petitioning in #NY01 to access the ballot as a Republican and will be filing to run as an independent…” Santos shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I will take my Ultra MAGA/Trump supporting values to the ballot in November as an Independent.”

In December, Santos was expelled from the House due to criminal corruption charges and allegations of misusing campaign funds.

In his statement, Santos criticized Republicans following the House’s passing of a $1.2 trillion government funding bill, with a vote of 286-134, just hours before the shutdown deadline.

“After today’s embarrassing showing in the House I have reflected and decided that I can no longer be part of the Republican Party,” he posted on X.

“The Republican Party continues to lie and deceive its voter base. I cannot in good conscience align myself with a party that lacks principles and easily falls for deception.”