A House Republican said he “doesn’t see a scenario” in which George Santos, the embattled GOP representative for New York’s third congressional district, completes his term.
House representatives are elected for a two-year term, meaning Santos will have to face the electorate in November 2024.
However, speaking to CNN, Rep. Marc Molinaro, who, like Santos, was first elected to Congress in 2022, said he doesn’t expect his colleague to last that long.
He said: “George Santos will not be indexed on any ballot in 2024. I am very sure that, first, the investigations, I believe, will produce the fact, and that the fact could surprise Congressman Santos, but not for others.
“The leaders and electorate of your Long Island district have had enough. I don’t see a situation where he runs for re-election or, frankly, even ends his term. “
NY R compatriot Marc Molinaro on Santos: “George Santos will not be indexed in any price ticket in 2024. . . I am very sure that, first of all, the investigations, I believe, will yield the truth. . . I don’t show you a situation where you run for re-election or, frankly, finish your term pic. twitter. com/yY7DesmlKQ
Molinaro, the representative of New York’s 19th congressional district, also told CNN he would be willing to oust Santos from the House, in a move that would require the participation of two-thirds of House representatives to succeed.
So far, President Kevin McCarthy, the longest-serving Republican in the House, has refused to budge in opposition to Santos, but last month said he will “fire him” if it turns out he has broken the law.
If Santos is ousted from Congress, it will spark a special election in New York, in a seat Republicans overturned in 2022.
Santos continues to insist he will remain in office, tweeting Tuesday: “Let me be very clear, I’m leaving, I’m hiding and NOT backing down.
“I will continue to work for #NY03 and no Twitter troll will stop me. I can’t wait to do what I want to do, DONE!”
Newsweek reached out to Santos for comment.
Let me be very clear, I’m not leaving, I’m not hiding and I’m NOT going to back down. I will continue to work for #NY03 and no amount of Twitter trolls will stop me. I can’t wait to get what I want to be.
After first indicating that he would retire in 2024, Santos began suggesting he could run again, according to CNN.
Santos was asked through the Federal Election Commission if he plans to run again, and the congressman will have to make a formal announcement until March 14 if he does.
Controversy erupted around Santos in December after he accused him of lying about much of his backstory, adding his education, the history of his paintings and claiming to be the “grandson of Holocaust survivors. “
In response, the House Republican admitted to “embellishing my resume,” but insisted he would step aside.
Santos has also been accused of sexual harassment through Derek Myers, who alleges the congressman groped him without consent while volunteering at his congressional workplace last month.
Myers said he reported his accusation to the U. S. Capitol Police. The U. S. Department of Ethics and the House Ethics Committee.
Santos said he “100 percent” denies the accusation, which he “comical. “
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