George Santos Says He’ll Run for Reelection – Even If He’s Expelled from Congress

Embattled and indicted Rep. George Santos (R-NY), who is running for reelection next year, said he will continue to do so even if Congress expels him.

The House voted on a resolution to expel Santos this week, but failed to get a simple majority of votes – let alone the two-thirds majority required to eject him from the chamber.

Santos faces federal criminal charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, making false statements, falsifying records, credit card fraud, and identity theft. He pleaded not guilty to the 23 counts he faces.

CNN’s Manu Raju interviewed Santos on Friday. The congressman maintained his innocence and blamed his 2022 campaign treasurer in a snippet of their conversation aired during The Situation Room.

“The feds are saying that you and your campaign treasurer conspired to make it appear your campaign was hitting fundraising benchmarks to get on the radar of GOP officials,” Raju said. “Did you know about this?”

“Manu, I never, ever submitted or even looked at a single report,” Santos responded. “I’m a candidate. Candidates do not handle money. Candidates do not handle finances. Candidates do not handle filings. I don’t know what the FEC filing system looks like.”

Raju then read testimony from the treasurer stating that she and Santos conspired to cook the books.

“People will say whatever they have to, to cut whatever deal they have to cut in order to save their hide,” the congressman said.

“You’re the chief of the campaign,” Raju pushed back.

“That’s not true,” Santos insisted.

“But you’re in charge,” the reporter pushed back. “Should the buck stop with you?”

“Well, the buck should stop at the candidate,” Santos replied, relenting. “That’s true.”

Raju went on to report that Santos said he will run for reelection even if he is expelled. The House Ethics Committee is currently conducting its own investigation into him, and its findings could tip the balance against him in a future vote.

Watch above via CNN.