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- George Santos’ bid for Congress flopped after he raised $0 (newsbreak.com)
**Former Congressman George Santos Ends Bid for Return to Office Amid Controversies**
In a surprising turn of events, George Santos, the embattled former representative of New York, has officially suspended his campaign for Congress, marking an abrupt end to his controversial political comeback attempt. Santos, whose short tenure in the House of Representatives was marred by a series of scandals related to his personal narrative and financial dealings, cited the preservation of Republican votes as a key reason for his withdrawal from the race.
Santos, who had initially sought to reclaim his seat in New York’s first congressional district, recently switched his strategy to run as an independent. However, he has now decided to step aside, expressing concerns that his continued candidacy could inadvertently assist Democratic candidates by fragmenting the Republican vote. This decision comes amidst revelations that his campaign had reported neither fundraising activity nor expenditures to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), calling into question the viability of his campaign efforts.
The decision to suspend his campaign underscores a tumultuous period for Santos, who was expelled from Congress in December following intense scrutiny over various fabricated aspects of his life story, including claims surrounding his heritage, educational background, and employment history. Notably, Santos faced widespread criticism for falsely asserting he was of Jewish descent.
Despite his campaign’s lack of financial activity, Republican contender Nick Lalota has demonstrated significant financial support, reporting approximately $1.5 million in contributions for the 2024 electoral cycle. Lalota, whom Santos has criticized for his voting record, now faces a clearer path in the Republican primary without Santos in the fray.
Santos, who maintains his innocence against 23 fraud-related charges, hinted at an ongoing interest in public policy and potential future political ambitions, despite his current legal battles and the recent suspension of his campaign. As he awaits trial, his pledge to remain involved in the political discourse suggests Santos may still seek to influence the direction of the Republican Party and broader political debates, albeit from outside the halls of Congress.
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- George Santos’ bid for Congress flopped after he raised $0 (newsbreak.com)