Former Representative George Santos at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, March 7, 2024.Photo:Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty

George Santos

Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty

Expelled New York CongressmanGeorge Santossays he’s running for office again in 2024.

The former congressman, 35, made the announcement onX (formerly known as Twitter)duringPresident Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday. Santos was seen sitting among his former colleagues as Biden, 81, delivered his annual joint speech in the House chamber.

In his post, Santos continued to criticize Republican Rep.Nick LaLota, whose seat he seeks. “He is a willing to risk the future of our majority and the future of this country for his own political gain,” Santos wrote.

LaLota was one of theNew York representatives who co-sponsored the expulsionresolution of Santos amid his reported ethics violations and ongoing criminal investigation.

“After a lot of prayer and conversation with my friends and family, I have made a very important decision that will shake things up,” continued Santos. “Tonight, I want to announce that I will be returning to the arena of politics and challenging Nick for the battle over #NY1.”

Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., holds a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, November 30, 2023.Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., holds a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, November 30, 2023, to discuss the upcoming vote to expel him from Congress.

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

“I look forward to debating him on the issues and on his weak record as a Republican. The fight for our majority is imperative for the survival of the country," he added. “God bless you all, and we are off to the races!"

Santos wasembroiled in controversybefore his term even began in January 2023. But in May, he was charged with fraud and lying in a 13-count indictment, which aroseafter an investigationinto his financial disclosures and allegedfalse claimshe made while running for Congress.

The 13 counts included seven charges of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives.

George Santos in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, April 27, 2023.Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty

Representative George Santos, a Republican from New York, during a joint meeting of Congress with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Yoonwas rewarded with a greater say in how America deploys its nuclear umbrella and assurances it would be used to retaliate against a North Korean strike in the deal he struck with President Bidenat the White House on a state visit Wednesday.

Then, in October, the Republican was hit with an additional 10 counts — which included one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, two counts of wire fraud and two counts of making materially false statements to the FEC, two counts of falsifying records submitted to obstruct the FEC, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of access device fraud.

Santospleaded not guiltyto each of the criminal charges. Since then, Santos' legal team and the prosecution have been in “preliminary discussions” regarding a plea deal, reportedCNN. His trial is currently set for August 2024.

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source: people.com