Expelled Rep. George Santos Announces New Run for Congress After Surprise Appearance at Capitol for State of the Union

Expelled GOP Rep. George Santos appeared on the House floor during President Joe Biden's State of the Union address and announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he is running for Congress once again.

In his social media post, Santos said that he was returning to the arena of politics and would be challenging New York Republican Congressman Nick LaLota for the battle over #NY1. He added that he was looking forward to debating his rival on various issues as well as on the latter's supposedly weak record as a Republican.

George Santos Announces Congress Run

Former New York Congressman George Santos appeared in the U.S. Capitol during President Joe Biden's State of the Union address and he announced another run for Congress.
(Photo : Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The former New York congressman represented the state's 3rd District during his time in office. He made his latest announcement on Thursday, during President Biden's SOTU as he was seen in the U.S. Capitol, according to CNN.

Santos' surprise appearance at the Capitol comes roughly three months after he was expelled from the House in a historic, bipartisan vote. He was allowed to enter as the regulations of the House permit former lawmakers to keep their floor privileges unless they collapse into specific categories.

These include lobbying, representing foreign agencies, having a direct interest in bills that are currently being considered, or having been convicted of a crime that is related to their election or service. The congressman was able to maintain his position in the legislative chambers on Dec. 1, 2023. This was despite the fact that he was subjected to a 311-114 vote that forced him to step down.

According to our previous report, the findings that led to the congressman's removal showed that the Ethics Committee cited "significant evidence" of his involvement in filing false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission.

He was also accused of misusing campaign funds for personal expenses, engaging in fraudulent conduct with RedStone Strategies LLC, and violating the Ethics in Government Act relating to his Financial Disclosure Statements.

Appearing in the Capitol

In his announcement of another Congress run, Santos said since he arbitrarily left office, New York has not had a real conservative represent them. He argued that LaLota was willing to risk the future of the majority and the future of the nation for his own political gain.

Tonight, I came to the SOTU with an open mind and heart because I believe in the great idea that is the United States of America.

I just witnessed a weak, frail president deliver spin and lies to the American people from inside the chambers. I have made several personal…
— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) March 8, 2024

Santos was first elected to Congress in 2022 after losing his prior attempt that was made in 2020. Various reports later revealed that the congressman told lies about his grandparents being Holocaust survivors and his mother losing her life during the 9/11 tragedy.

In May last year, the Republican faced 13 charges in a Long Island federal court and a few months later, he was hit with a superseding indictment that listed 23 counts. While Santos initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, he is said to now be in talks for a possible plea deal, said the Independent.

Following Santos' removal from his position, the state of New York held an election to find a replacement for the congressman. It was then won by Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi, who previously held the Long Island seat before the disgraced congressman, said Politico.