A growing number of GOP lawmakers in New York are calling for the resignation of Rep.
Jorge Santos, a . Sworn-in member of Congress who has admitted to lying about key details of his background.
At least four New York House Republicans said Santos should resign. After Nassau County GOP officials called. On him to give up his congressional seat on Wednesday.
“George Santos’ campaign last year was a campaign of deceit. lies and fabrication,” county GOP Chairman. Joe Cairo said at a news conference with other party officials.
Cairo targeted Santos for “dishonoring” the House. And made it clear that Santos “is not welcome here at Republican headquarters.”
“him one of our congressmen,” Cairo said.
Cairo pointed to various false claims made by Santos. Including his earlier claim to have Jewish heritag Cairo also told reporters. That Santos gave the local GOP a fake resume. That lied about being a volleyball “star” at Baruch College who led her team to a “league championship.”
Santos, but, is not backing down, saying in a tweet that he has no plans to resign.
Freshman Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., who was sworn into Congress. And is chairman of the state Republican Party, said in a statement Wednesday. That he supports Cairo’s decision to request Santos’ resignation.
“It is clear that he is not going to be an effective representative. And it is in the best interest of taxpayers to have new leadership,” Langworthy said. “I will continue to work with our local elected officials to ensure trust. And dignity are restored to the 3rd Congressional District.”
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a first-term Republican whose district borders Santos. Attended the virtual Cairo news conference. “At this point, Jorge can continue as a member of Congress,” he said.
GOP Rep. Brandon Williams of New York said in a statement: “As more publications emerge. I agree with the Nassau Republicans’ decision to request George Santos’ resignation. Electors in NY-3 elected Rep. Santos in part. Because of his biographical exaggerations and outright deception. He should resign.”
And in an interview with Axios, Rep. Nick LaLotta, R-N.Y. Said he thinks Santos should resign Lalotta’s.
But House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
Said Cairo’s call for Santos’ resignation does not affect his thinking on the matter.
“I try to follow the constitution. The voters elected him to serve,” McCarthy said. “If there’s a concern, he should go through the ethics [committee]; let him go through that. But right now the voters have voiced the decision. It’s not where people press someone’s press. based on which he chooses or chooses. So he will continue to serve.”
Asked if he trusted Santos, McCarthy said. “Look, he’s got to build trust here. And he’ll have an opportunity to try to do that.”
Officials from other local parties also took aim at Santos. Throughout the press conference on Wednesday.
Asked why Santos was asked to resign. After being sworn in, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Said he believed in due process.
“She needs help,” Blakeman said, while calling Santos out for being “a liar.”
Santos took over after McCarthy’s election as speaker last week. Santos voted for McCarthy.
Nassau County GOP demands for ‘resignation could put pressure on McCarthy. Who leads a slim GOP majority that includes a group of dissenters. Who have threatened to tank his leadership bid.
Most congressional Republicans appeared to give the cold shoulder after entering Congress. was often seen sitting alone during many rounds of speaker voting last week.
House GOP leadership hasn’t warmed to Santos since.
Earlier Wednesday, McCarthy said should not be placed on any top committee. Because he attended a GOP steering committee meeting where members decide. Which colleagues should serve on specific committees.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., did not defend Santos when asked if he should resign. “there are some conversations that are happening right now.” He told reporters on Wednesday.
Calls for Santos’ resignation grew from state Republicans. After the Nassau County GOP’s news conference.
The New York State Conservative Party said in a statement it stands with the Nassau County GOP.
Conservative Party Chair Gerard Cassar said. “Mr. Santos’s profound use of impropriety as a candidate renders him. Unfit to hold public office and exposes him to potential legal action. Compromising his ability to represent his constituents.”
Some congressional Republicans also echoed their concerns. Though most called for him to resign.
“he should be here, that’s for sure. But there is a process that must be applied to all members of both parties in both chambers.” Said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., “We should do a quick review” of Santos’ “disgusting” conduct.
“It’s very difficult to have someone like that in our body.” Mays said in an interview, adding that he supported an ethics committee investigation. “It can and will take months. It will work itself out .”
Nassau County GOP officials endorsed Santos in the 2022 election cycle.Including his education and employment history, county Republicans condemned his actions.
“Congress-elect Jorge violated public trust by making serious misrepresentations. About his background, experience and education, among other things.
The call by Nassau County officials also comes amid several.
Investigations into Santos’ campaign and other calls for him to resign.
In a complaint filed Tuesday, Democratic Reps. Dan Goldman and Richie Torres, both of New York, asked the House. Ethics Committee to investigate for his “failure to file timely. Accurate and complete financial disclosure reports.”
In their complaint. Goldman and Torres allege violated the principles of government law. And they point to recent reports as well as Santos’ own admissions. Saying he “misrepresented voters in his district about his ethnicity. His religion, his education and his employment and professional status, among other factors.” history.” They also cited Santos’ financial disclosure reports in 2020 and 2022. Which they described as “sparse and misleading”.
“Jorge Santos is a man without a country,” Rep. Jamal Bowman, D-N.Y., said in an interview Wednesday. “The GOP is leaning on him. The Dems don’t want him. His voters don’t want him. Oh, my goodness, this guy is incredible.”
