George Santos returns to Congress for State of the Union after ouster
George Santos is back on Capitol Hill, though not as a congressman this time.
The ousted elected official made a surprise appearance at President Joe Biden's State of the Union address. Later that evening he announced plans to run for Congress again and against sitting Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y.
"Tonight, I want to announce that I will be returning to the arena of politics and challenging Nick," Santos said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The former New York representative was expelled from the House last year for fabricating his background and his sweeping criminal charges. His attendance at the speech marks his first time in the building since his removal.
House member says Santos 'should stay away'
One House Republican told USA TODAY that Santos "should stay away."
But, the Republican joked, Santos' return is fitting since "he’s already delivered a State of the Union address," referencing the embattled for lawmaker's lies.
Why was George Santos expelled
The 311-114 bipartisan vote to expel Santos from his position came after a House Ethics Committee report found substantial evidence that Santos misused campaign funds for his own personal benefit.
The former congressman faced calls to resign from both Democrats and Republicans. While Santos admitted to lying about his background he denied all other wrongdoing related to the federal charges and pleaded not guilty.
Santos lies include being Jewish and going to college
In December 2022, the New York Times reported that Santos lying about where he went to college and working for Citigroup and Goldman Sachs, as well as falsifying records relating to his financial status.
Weeks later, Santos told the New York Post that he did fabricate his job experience and college education adding that "my sins are embellishing my resume." He also responded to reports that he lied about being Jewish saying claimed he was "Jew-ish" instead.
In February 2023, a former aide accused him of sexual harassment in a complaint to the House Ethics Committee claiming the congressman inappropriately touched him. Santos denied the allegation calling it "comical" on CNN.
After his expulsion, Santos said he will not seek reelection for a second term in 2024 so his family can avoid excessive press attention. The day he left he told reporters "to hell with this place."
In his post Thursday, Santos said he looks forward to debating Rep. LaLota on issues and "his weak record as a Republican."
"The fight for our majority is imperative for the survival of the country," he said.