Local Politicians United In Call For Santos To Resign From Congress

MERRICK, NY — Top Republicans from Nassau County are gathering as one voice to demand Congressman George Santos resign.

Assemblyman David McDonough (R-Merrick) said in a statement:

"There is a sacred trust between voters and their representatives in government. Unfortunately, Congressman Santos has broken that trust beyond repair due to his serial lying," McDonough said. "I am calling for the congressman to resign so we can rebuild trust between the citizens of Nassau County and their representative in Congress."

Fellow freshman congressman Anthony D'Esposito (R-Island Park) virtually took part in Wednesday's news conference.

"I join with you and I join with my colleagues in saying that George Santos does not have the ability to serve here in the House of Representatives and should resign."

Santos has been scrutinized for weeks since it was revealed that he lied about at least parts of his resume, and questions about his campaign donations have surfaced, leading to multiple investigations.

Despite the unified front by local Republican leaders, Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) questions their motive.

"While some may take it as a positive sign that the Nassau Republicans have finally taken some action, it seems to me that their resignation demand is primarily designed to provide them with some cover and to deflect criticism."

Lavine is calling on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to do what the "Nassau Republicans feared to do and failed to do," by demanding the House Committee on Ethics launch a full investigation into Santos.

Former Republican congressman Peter King is in the Santos resignation column.

"I fully support Nassau County Chairman Joe Cairo’s demand that George Santos resign from Congress immediately. Santos has forfeited any right to represent constituents in Congress!" King tweeted on Wednesday.

Cairo claimed that Santos not only lied about attending Baruch College, but told him that "he was a star on the volleyball team. They won the league championship."

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said: "[Santos] cannot serve anymore. He does not deserve that right. He is a stain on the House of Representatives."

Additionally, Blakeman instructed county offices to no longer deal with Santos on any constituent requests. They will be forwarded to D'Esposito's office.

Santos, though, said he won't step down. Telling reporters on Thursday as an elevator closed at the Capitol, he would only leave if 142 people wanted him to resign. Thereafter, he clarified the number at 142,000, an apparent reference to the total votes he received in November.

Related:

• More George Santos Acquaintances Come Forward With Theft Allegations
• Former Roommate 'Confident' George Santos' Mother Not In WTC On 9/11
• George Santos' Former NY Coworkers Fill In Murky Biography