Ex-Cop Runs Against George Santos To Represent Bayside, Long Island

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — Former NYPD Detective Michael Sapraicone announced his bid to unseat George Santos as the Congressman representing Long Island and Bayside.

The Long Island resident announced Tuesday his campaign for New York’s 3rd Congressional District in an effort to replace the embattled Republican in 2024.

"I’m running for Congress to return integrity and a respected voice to the office, and to focus on issues like public safety, border security, and fiscal responsibility to get our country back on the right track," Sapraicone said.

“I am also laser focused on delivering for the constituents of the 3rd District on Long Island and in Queens."

Sapraicone retired from the NYPD in 2000 before starting his own security company, Squad Security. The business, with over 600 employees and retired cops, serves companies in ten states, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

He sold the company in September 2022.

Sapraicone's announcement comes two months after Santos was arrested for financial fraud and money laundering charges following a slew of local and federal investigations looking into his campaign.

The Republican came under fire after a report revealed he fabricated key parts of his life story, an event that snowballed into the unveiling of charity scams and lies to collect unemployment benefits.s

Santos pleaded not guilty to the charges in May, and he's scheduled to return to court on Sept. 7.

Sapraicone joined the NYPD in 1980, and was promoted to the rank of detective in 1986. He served as president of the Seaford Union Free School District Board of Education and is Chairman of the Board Emeritus at Holy Cross High School in Flushing.

The former detective attended the City University of New York John Jay College of Criminal Justice and served in the United States Navy, receiving an Honorable Discharge.

Sapraicone has lived on Long Island for 32 years and currently resides in the Town of Oyster Bay with his wife Eileen. He is the father of five children and has five grandchildren.