Santos Exits GOP; He'll Run In 1st District As Independent In Nov.

LEVITTOWN, NY — George Santos, who announced a Republican primary run against Rep. Nick LaLota in the 1st Congressional District, is opting to campaign as an Independent.

A spending bill was approved by the House on Friday, leading to Santos leaving the Republican party. There have also been calls to ouster Speaker Mike Johnson.

"After today's embarrassing showing in the house I have reflected and decided that I can no longer be part of the Republican Party," Santos wrote on X. "The Republican Party continues to lie and swindle its voter base. I in good conscience cannot affiliate myself with a party that stands for nothing and falls for everything."

Santos was expelled from Congress in December amid 23 federal fraud and conspiracy counts. It was revealed after he won the 2022 election that much of Santos' background was fabricated.

Santos said he'll file as an Independent, and head to the general election in November. Along with the incumbent LaLota, Democrat John Avlon is also vying to represent Suffolk County residents in the House.

"I will take my Ultra MAGA/Trump supporting values to the ballot in November as an Independent. I'll see you boys in November!" he said of LaLota and Avlon.