George Santos announces re-election bid for Congress on 100th day in office
The latest campaign finance data shows the congressman has raised $5,333.26 and refunded $8,352.78.
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Amid offensive lies and an outcry from voters in his district, embattled New York Congressman George Santos announced his re-election campaign Monday on his 100th day in office.
He tweeted his announcement, saying: "This is about taking back our country and restoring greatness back to New York."
It comes as he faces calls from both parties for his resignation, because of his multiple fabrications, exaggerations and embellishments about his professional and personal life.
Santos is also the subject of several investigations.
Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan condemned Santos for having the nerve to run again in light of misleading voters the first time.
"To think that one human being would have the audacity to vote for you after what you did to our constituents, then you're either insane, incompetent or a little bit of both," Lafazan said.
Monday's announcement comes after Santos previously indicated he would not seek re-election.
ALSO READ | The saga of Rep. George Santos: Inside his many fabrications, exaggerations, and embellishments
The latest campaign finance data from the Federal Election Commission indicates the congressman has raised $5,333.26 and refunded $8,352.78.
Afghanistan war veteran Kellen Curry, a Republican, announced earlier this month that he is running for New York's 3rd Congressional District.
"In so many ways, people are being underserved by his presence in Congress which are based off lies," Curry said.
He said his campaign looks to the future and will work closely with local leaders, organizations, and residents to develop solutions that best serve the people.
Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph Cairo, Jr. released a statement after Santos' announcement denouncing his decision to run again:
"The Nassau County Republican Committee is focused on the future, and George Santos has no place in upcoming Nassau GOP campaigns. We will not nominate George Santos for re-election to Congress or for any other office. The serial liar has disgraced the House of Representatives and has deceived the public. His actions and comments have been designed to mislead the public about his background, qualifications and virtually every other facet of his public persona. If George Santos should actually launch a re-election campaign, the Nassau County Republican Committee will nominate a well-qualified candidate who is honest, forthright and worthy of the public's trust and support. The Nassau GOP has interacted with several prospective candidates who would defeat the 'pretender' who is currently occupying the office and win election against all other prospective opponents. It's time for George Santos to go!"
Democrat Chairman Jay Jacobs also released a strongly worded statement:
"George Santos is 16 days late. April Fools' Day was on the first of this month, and that would have been a more appropriate date to announce his re-election campaign. I am sure that Congressmembers D'Esposito, Garbarino, Lalota, Lawler, Molinaro, and Williams are all very excited to be running with George Santos. If these Representatives had done more to pressure Speaker Kevin McCarthy to bring a vote to expel him rather than just pay lip service, they would have been spared the embarrassment of running with George Santos, or whatever his name is."
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