Top Republicans Plot George Santos’ Ouster as Controversial New York Rep. Weighs Reelection
Embattled New York Rep. George Santos is facing various investigations and complaints. But despite this, Santos is still considering running for a second term, which many fellow Republicans oppose.
According to CNN, while Santos weighs in on his options, top Republicans plan to oust him to make sure he cannot tarnish their New York ticket. Senior New York Republicans are now trying to reach out to potential preliminary challengers in case Santos decides to seek reelection.
It seems to be the same case for top Republicans in Washington, reassuring GOP members in New York that they will not let Santos be their nominee. GOP leaders appeared to hope that Santos' myriad of controversies, including possible criminal cases against him, would convince the New York lawmaker to back out and not run for reelection.
For now, many Republicans do not wish to oust him just yet to prevent setting up a special election for a seat that could flip to the Democrats. Republicans currently have a razor-thin majority in the House.
Younger New York Republicans who were part of Santos' ticket in 2020 are reportedly part of the movement trying to stop Santos from seeking reelection. This list includes Rep. Anthony D'Esposito of Long Island, who said he was confident that Santos "will not be on any ticket come 2024."
READ NEXT: George Santos Accused of Sexually Harassing Aide
Federal Regulators Tell George Santos to Appoint a Campaign Treasurer and Stop Raising Money
Even with his plans to run again still in limbo, George Santos is still raising and spending money for his campaign. However, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is asking him to stop doing that, and he needs to name a campaign treasurer if he plans to continue doing it.
Santos' long-time campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks, quit last month. In a filed paperwork by the lawmaker's campaign last January 25, Wisconsin-based consultant Thomas Datwyler was named treasurer. However, Derek Ross, Datwyler's lawyer, told CNN that his client was listed as treasurer without his authorization as he had declined the post.
CNN reported that Santos has reportedly refused to answer questions about his campaign filings several times but noted that Marks would face scrutiny over his finances. The letter from the FEC gives Santos until March 21 to respond.
House Asked to Find Out Why Openly Gay George Santos Married a Brazilian Woman
When he ran for office, George Santos did speak truthfully about being openly gay who is married to another man. Thus, his seven-year marriage to a Brazilian woman has raised many questions.
According to The New York Times, a letter to ethics watchdogs in the House requested a probe to determine if the marriage was a scheme for the woman to get a U.S. citizenship.
Malcolm Lazin, an LGBTQ rights activist, who made the request to the House Ethics Committee and Office of Congressional Ethics, also wanted to know if Santos had violated federal immigration laws.
During the marriage, Santos' wife reportedly obtained citizenship through Santos, who is a U.S. citizen. So far, immigration officials have not indicated that the marriage raised any red flags.
However, Lazin pointed out that Santos and his wife lived separate lives, including the fact that the lawmaker dated men during the marriage. Santos and the woman eventually divorced.
READ MORE: Trump Lawyers Scolded by Judge
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Understanding Rep. George Santos and the Lies He's Told - CBS News