Controversial U.S. Rep. George Santos (R-NY) became only the sixth person in history to be expelled from the House of Representatives and the first not to have been convicted of a felony count. Every member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation voted to oust him.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd), who had voted against removing Santos in a previous vote, said he was convinced that Santos had to go when he received the report of the House Ethics Committee, a report Van Drew called “damning.”
The vote to expel was supported by 105 House Republicans (48%) and all but two Democrats. The final vote was 311 to remove him and 114 against. There were two “present” votes.
Santos faces a trial on 23 felony counts in 2024. He faces indictments for misuse of campaign funds, improper financial reporting, comingling of personal and campaign finances and assorted other charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The Republican leadership tried but failed to save Santos, who helped Republicans maintain a slim four-person majority in the House. For now the House of Representatives has only 434 members instead of its normal 435.
In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to set the date for a special election for late February. The New York Times says that former Congressman Tom Suozzi, who lost his seat to Santos, is the likely Democratic candidate in the election.
Almost two dozen individuals have expressed interest in being considered as a Republican candidate. By New York law, the candidates for a special election are chosen by the county party hierarchy. Santos’ district spans parts of Queens and Nassau counties.
Contact the author, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
