New York Republican Representative George Santos announced on X, formerly Twitter, that he won't be seeking re-election in 2024 following the release of a damning House Ethics Committee report—and in typical Santos fashion, he's blaming the "press" over his decision.
The House Ethics Committee's report alleged Santos had committed "knowing and willful violations" of House financial disclosure rules and filed "false or incomplete reports" with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
In response, Santos condemned the report as a "disgusting politicized smear" on X, denouncing the federal government's perceived decline. Expressing disdain for those involved, he expressed his decision not to pursue a second term due to media scrutiny affecting his family.
You can see his post below.
He said:
"If there was a single ounce of ETHICS in the “Ethics committee”, they would have not released this biased report. The Committee went to extraordinary lengths to smear myself and my legal team about me not being forthcoming (My legal bills suggest otherwise)."
"It is a disgusting politicized smear that shows the depths of how low our federal government has sunk. Everyone who participated in this grave miscarriage of Justice should all be ashamed of themselves."
Santos declared that the American people "desperately need an Article V Constitutional Convention" and listed a host of different grievances—including a "$34 trillion" deficit, the possibility of a government shutdown, and allegations about the migrants crossing the nation's southern border—as examples of what Congress should actually be focused on.
He added that he's "come to expect vitriol like this from political opposition but not from the hallowed halls of public service," adding that he will "remain steadfast in fighting for my rights and for defending my name in the face of adversity." He said he is "humbled yet again and reminded that I am human and I have flaws" but nonetheless asserted that he "will not stand by as I am stoned by those who have flaws themselves."
He concluded with an announcement that he will not seek re-election. And of course, he blamed the media.
"I will continue on my mission to serve my constituents up until I am allowed. I will however NOT be seeking re-election for a second term in 2024 as my family deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time."
"Public service life was never a goal or a dream, but I stepped up to the occasion when I felt my country needed it most. I will 100% continue to maintain my commitment to my conservative values in my remaining time in Congress."
Many have criticized Santos for once again playing the victim despite his alleged crimes and his long record of lies and deceit.
House investigators released a damning 56-page report on Thursday, revealing extensive evidence indicating Santos’ misuse of campaign funds for personal purposes, fraudulent activities towards donors, and submission of false or incomplete campaign finance and financial disclosure reports.
The report accused Santos of exploiting his House candidacy for personal financial gain through a series of deceptive tactics, including lies about his background and experience to constituents, donors, and staff.
The committee unanimously referred its findings to the Department of Justice (DOJ), stating that Santos' actions warranted public condemnation and had severely tarnished the House's reputation. Mississippi Republican Representative Michael Guest, the committee's chairman, announced a motion to oust Santos from office, expected to be introduced as early as Friday.
@joehas/X