Congressman George Santos, a Republican from embattled New York, may soon be leaving office.
This week, the House Ethics Committee will produce a report that includes evidence that Santos violated federal laws and misappropriated campaign funds. This might lead to a third and final vote to remove the freshman representative.
Once Santos acknowledged lying about his past and after federal prosecutors brought 13 counts pertaining to wire fraud and money laundering, Santos’ fellow members of the House moved to remove him from office twice.
Throughout his time serving as the wealthiest district’s representative in New York, he has faced several accusations, probes, and resignation requests. This is a chronology of his final year in Congress and his political journey:
November 2022: A Congressional Newcomer
In November 2022, George Santos won the election to represent New York’s 3rd Congressional District, flipping a formerly Democratic district. Santos defeated Democrat Robert Zimmerman for the seat after losing to the incumbent two years prior.
December 2022: Lies Revealed
In December, The New York Times reported Santos lied about his background, including falsifying having attended college and working for Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. Further lies about Santos’ finances and religion also surfaced. Santos admitted to résumé embellishment but rebuffed claims about his faith. Investigations mounted by local and state officials over the fabrications
January 2023: Resignation Requests Rise
Organizations called for federal inquiries into Santos’ campaign finances in January as resignation pressure increased. The Campaign Legal Center alleged Santos concealed campaign sources and misused funds. Brazilian authorities also reopened a check fraud investigation into the congressman. Several House colleagues asked Santos to resign, but he refused while stepping down from committees.
February to May 2023: Legal Troubles Swell
In February, a Santos staffer accused him of sexual harassment. In March, the Ethics Committee voted to probe that claim along with Santos’ campaign issues. By May, Santos faced 13 federal charges, including wire fraud and theft, proclaiming his innocence and calling it a “witch hunt.” Another staffer later pleaded guilty in relation to the probe.
October to November 2023: Indictments and Ethics Violations
In October, Santos dealt with a new 23-count identity theft indictment. The House Ethics Committee then found “substantial evidence” that Santos broke laws. After another failed expulsion vote, two staffers pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Santos still called the findings “biased” but conceded he won’t seek 2024 reelection before facing a likely third ouster vote this week.
