Santos Won't Seek Re-Election After Bombshell Ethics Committee Report

WASHINGTON, DC — The House Ethics Committee says there is "substantial evidence" that Rep. George Santos broke the law. The committee released its findings on Thursday morning.

The chairman of the committee said the evidence shows Santos "knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission," the Hill reported.

New York's 3rd congressional representative, Santos announced following the report that he will not seek re-election, he announced on X (formerly Twitter).

"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," Santos wrote.

Despite that, Santos said "If there was a single ounce of ETHICS in the 'Ethics committee', they would have not released this biased report."

Two weeks ago he told the cable news outlet that he would run again even if he's ousted.

While the report does not recommend expulsion, it is likely to result in another vote to dismiss Santos from Congress. Earlier this month, five New York Republicans, led by Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (Island Park) put forth an expulsion measure. Santos survived that vote as several lawmakers said they wanted to see evidence that the ethics committee found.

"The newly released House Ethics Committee report on George Santos is in alignment with my long-held belief that this fraudster has no place serving in the People’s House, and I once again call on my colleagues to join me in advocating for George Santos’ expulsion from Congress," D'Esposito said.

"While I have not had a chance to read the House Ethics Committee’s full findings, the initial press reports are very damning, said Naysa Woomer, former Santos communications director. "George Santos should be worried about his political and personal future as his past misdeeds continue to catch up with him."

Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest (R-Mississippi) is expected to introduce a motion to expel Santos on the House floor on Friday, according to CNN.

"His election should be invalidated by the House using its Constitutional expulsion powers. Then, at an early-spring special election, my New York neighbors to the west will finally get an opportunity to participate in a valid election," Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) said in a statement.

According to the report, Santos used campaign funds for Botox treatments and trips with his husband to Atlantic City. Additionally. in an effort to hide his money trail Santos created a fictional financial narrative, Politico reported.

Santos is already facing criminal consequences for mounting lies and fraud allegations. It was charged with nearly two dozen federal counts and pleaded not guilty."

Santos said he will stop speaking to reporters.

"Enough! No more, you’ve all taken your pound of flesh and I won’t allow it anymore," he wrote on X. "I wish you all well, but I am done! The communication door is closed, shut, and sealed."