Former GOP Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House of Representatives late last year due to allegations of fraud and campaign finance violations, reported raising $0 in March for his campaign to get back into Congress. His campaign committee, “Santos for Congress,” did not receive any contributions or make any expenditures during this time period. Santos, who is running as an independent in an attempt to unseat Rep. Nick LaLota in the 1st Congressional District, stated that he will not be raising any funds until he is confirmed on the ballot, to combat accusations that he is running solely to raise money from supporters.
In order to qualify for the ballot, Santos must collect 3,500 signatures from residents of the 1st District by May 15. He believes that only candidates with confirmed ballot access should be raising money, hence his decision to delay fundraising until he meets this requirement. Santos, who previously represented the 3rd Congressional District, is currently facing a 23-count federal indictment for alleged campaign finance violations and money laundering. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Additionally, a House Ethics Committee investigation found substantial evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Santos, including the mismanagement of campaign funds for personal expenses like X-rated subscriptions, Botox injections, and luxurious trips.
Despite his legal troubles, Santos announced his intention to challenge LaLota in November after attending President Biden’s State of the Union address in March. Criticizing the President’s speech as filled with “spin and lies,” Santos emphasized his commitment to serving the American people and his love for the country. He was expelled from the House by a significant vote of 311-114, with LaLota being among the GOP lawmakers who supported his removal. Santos’s decision to delay fundraising until he secures a spot on the ballot aims to demonstrate his seriousness about the election and counter any claims of financial opportunism in his campaign.
Santos’s unconventional approach to funding his campaign reflects his desire to maintain integrity in the election process and address criticism about his motives for running. By refraining from raising money until he fulfills the requirements for ballot access, he aims to establish himself as a credible candidate despite the legal challenges he is facing. His determination to challenge LaLota in the upcoming election demonstrates his resilience in the face of adversity and his commitment to serving the American people. As he navigates the complexities of his legal case and political aspirations, Santos is striving to regain trust and support from constituents in his district. The outcome of his election campaign will ultimately determine his future in Congress and the impact of his past actions on his political career.
