We now have an expiration date on the George Santos saga.
The disgraced New York Congressman announced he will not seek reelection after the House Ethics Committee said there is “substantial evidence” of his wrongdoing and misconduct. Calling the committee’s report a “disgusting politicized smear,” Santos gave no indication he would resign and barring another attempt at expulsion, he will continue to occupy New York’s Third Congressional District office through 2024.
“Representative Santos’ conduct warrants public condemnation, is beneath the dignity of the office, and has brought severe discredit upon the House,” Reps. Michael Guest (R-Miss.) and Susan Wild (D-Pa.), the committee’s chair and senior Democrat, said in a joint statement.
The report alleges Santos spent campaign funds on trips to Atlantic City casinos, Botox treatments at spas, and used a shell company to funnel money into his personal account. Those funds were used to buy luxury goods at Hermes and subscriptions on the pornography platform, OnlyFans.
With two indictments and 23 charges already pending, the ethics report could very likely be the death blow to Santos’ political career. He shocked the establishment by winning the 2022 election to become the first gay Republican elected to Congress.
Soon after assuming office, it was discovered that most of Santos’ résumé was fabricated and his many lies were exposed.
Santos, 35, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which range from identity theft to wrongfully claiming unemployment benefits. A trial is scheduled for Sept. 2024.