NEW YORK - Former Rep. George Santos announced on Friday that he is parting ways with the Republican Party.
This decision follows the approval of a $1.2 trillion spending package by the House, ensuring government funding through September and avoiding a partial shutdown before the midnight deadline.
The spending package was passed with a vote of 286 to 134, with a notable number of Republicans voting against it. Following the passing of the bill, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia submitted a "motion to vacate," setting the stage for a potential vote to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson.
"After witnessing today's disappointing events in the house, I have taken time to reflect and come to the conclusion that I can no longer align myself with the Republican Party… The Republican Party persists in deceiving and betraying its voter base. I cannot, in good conscience, be associated with a party that lacks principles and falls for every deception. I am hereby halting my efforts to secure a spot on the ballot as a Republican in #NY01 and will be [filing] to run as an independent… In November, I will bring my staunchly MAGA/Trump supporting values to the ballot as an Independent," Santos expressed on X.
George Santos had previously announced plans to challenge Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in New York's First Congressional District, which includes eastern Long Island.
LaLota responded to that by releasing a statement saying, "To raise the standard in Congress, and to hold a pathological liar who stole an election accountable, I led the charge to expel George Santos. If finishing the job requires beating him in a primary, count me in."
All this comes as Santos faces 23 federal charges related to alleged wire fraud, identity theft and campaign finance violations and other crimes. His trial is set for September.
