Incoming New York Republicans from districts close to that of Rep.-elect George Santos (R-NY) have spoken out following public revelations that Santos fabricated key information about his personal life, such as his education and certain aspects of his employment background, while running for a swing-district race on Long Island.
Rep.-elect Nick LaLota (R-NY), who will represent an adjoining district on Long Island, is calling for the House Ethics Committee and, “if necessary, law enforcement” to look into Santos's situation.
LaLota released a statement: “Over the last few weeks I have heard from countless Long Islanders how deeply troubled they are by the headlines surrounding George Santos.” LaLota continued: “As a Navy man who campaigned on restoring accountability and integrity to our government, I believe a full investigation by the House Ethics Committee and, if necessary, law enforcement, is required. New Yorkers deserve the truth, and House Republicans deserve an opportunity to govern without this distraction.”
Santos, who is scheduled to be sworn into office on January 3 to be the new representative of the state of New York's 3rd District, was discovered in December to have lied about his graduation from Baruch College, deceived voters into thinking that he had worked “for” Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, did not accurately reflect his non-Jewish background, and much more.
Santos responded to the revelations, first reported by the New York Times, by declaring in an interview with the New York Post that he was “embarrassed and sorry for having embellished” his resume.
Rep.-elect Anthony D'Esposito, another incoming Long Island Republican, said in a statement that constituents “are deeply hurt and rightly offended by the lies and misstatements made by” Santos.
“While Santos has taken a required first step by ‘coming clean' with respect to his education, work experience, and other issues, he must continue to pursue a path of honesty,” D'Esposito declared. “I have long held that elected officials must operate in a transparent and truthful manner – it is time for Mr. Santos to embrace that same spirit of sincerity.”
Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard confronted Santos Tuesday night during an interview on Fox News, and he apologized again for his lies but stated that he was planning to move forward and join Congress at the beginning of January.
The Republican leadership hasn't made any comments yet regarding the Santos revelations; however, two well-known Republicans have shared their views on the subject following Gabbard's interview.
Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) said, “Good job @TulsiGabbard,” alongside a video clip of the interview. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) stated, “I think we Republicans should give George Santos a chance and see how he legislates and votes, not treat him the same as the left is.”
