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George Santos

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George Santos
Prior offices:
U.S. House New York District 3
Years in office: 2023 - 2023
Predecessor:Tom Suozzi (D)
Successor:Tom Suozzi (D)
Elections and appointments
Last election
November 5, 2024
Personal
Birthplace
New York, NY
Profession
Investor
Contact

George Santos (Republican Party) was a member of theU.S. House, representingNew York's 3rd Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2023. He left office on December 1, 2023.

Santos (independent) ran for election to theU.S. House to representNew York's 1st Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the general election onNovember 5, 2024. He did not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary onJune 25, 2024.

Santos (Republican Party) also ran for election to theU.S. House to representNew York's 3rd Congressional District. He did not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary onJune 25, 2024.

TheU.S. House of Representatives voted 311-114 to expel Santos on December 1, 2023, following aHouse Ethics Committee investigation and federal indictments.[1]

On August 19, 2024, Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.[2]

On October 17, 2025, PresidentDonald Trump (R) commuted Santos' sentence and ordered his immediate release.[3]Click here to read more.


Biography

George Santos, also known as George Devolder-Santos and Anthony Devolder, was born inNew York, New York. His career experience includes working as a financier and investor.[4][5][6]

Committee assignments

U.S. House

On January 31, 2023, Santos recused himself from committee membership.[7]

Key votes

See also:Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, clickhere.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023-2025

The118th United States Congress began on January 3, 2023, and ended on January 3, 2025. At the start of the session, Republicans held the majority in theU.S. House of Representatives (222-212), and Democrats held the majority in theU.S. Senate (51-49).Joe Biden (D) was the president andKamala Harris (D) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below usingCongress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023-2025
VoteBill and descriptionStatus
Yes check.svg Yea
To terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers, and for other purposes.
 
H.R. 185 (To terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers, and for other purposes.) was a bill approved by theHouse of Representatives that sought to nullify aCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order restricting the entry of foreign citizens to the United States unless the individual was vaccinated against the coronavirus or attested they would take public health measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[8]
Yes check.svg Passed (227-201)[9]
Yes check.svg Yea
Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023
 
The Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 (H.R. 2811) was a bill approved by theHouse of Representatives that sought to raise the federal debt limit before a June 5, 2023, deadline. The bill also sought to repeal certain green energy tax credits, increase domestic natural gas and oil production, expand work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, and nullify PresidentJoe Biden's (D) proposed student loan debt cancellation program. This bill was not taken up in the Senate, and the debt limit was instead raised through theFiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[10]
Yes check.svg Passed (217-215)[11]
Yes check.svg Yea
Denouncing the horrors of socialism.
 
H.Con.Res. 9 (Denouncing the horrors of socialism.) was a resolution approved by theHouse of Representatives denouncing socialism and opposing the implementation of socialist policies in the United States. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the House.[12]
Yes check.svg Passed (328-86)[13]
Yes check.svg Yea
Lower Energy Costs Act
 
The Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1) was a bill approved by theHouse of Representatives that sought to increase domestic energy production and exports by increasing the production of oil, natural gas, and coal, reducing permitting restrictions for pipelines, refineries, and other energy projects, and increase the production of minerals used in electronics, among other energy production-related policies. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[14]
Yes check.svg Passed (225-204)[15]
Yes check.svg Yea
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".
 
H.J.Res. 30 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of theCongressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the118th Congress andvetoed by PresidentJoe Biden (D) on March 20, 2023. This was Biden's first veto of his presidency. The resolution sought to nullify aDepartment of Labor rule that amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow retirement plans to consider certainenvironmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors in investment-related decisions. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the House.[16]Click here to read more.
Yes check.svg Passed (219-200)[17]
Yes check.svg Yea
Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.
 
H.J.Res. 7 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of theCongressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the118th Congress and signed into law by PresidentJoe Biden (D) on April 10, 2023. The resolution ended thenational coronavirus state of emergency, which began on March 13, 2020. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the House.[18]Click here to read more.
Yes check.svg Passed (229-197)[19]
Red x.svg Nay
Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023
 
TheFiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746) was a bill passed by the118th Congress and signed into law by PresidentJoe Biden (D) on June 3, 2023. The bill raised the federal debt limit until January 2025. The bill also capped non-defense spending in fiscal year 2024, rescinded unspent coronavirus relief funding, rescinded some Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding, enhanced work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF), simplified environmental reviews for energy projects, and ended the student loan debt repayment pause in August 2023. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.[20]Click here to read more.
Yes check.svg Passed (314-117)[21]
Rep.Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)
Speaker of the House election (January 2023) - 15th vote
 
In January 2023, theHouse of Representatives held itsregular election for Speaker of the House at the start of the118th Congress. Voting began on January 3, and ended on January 7. Rep.Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was elected speaker of the House in a 216-212 vote during the 15th round of voting. In order to elect a Speaker of the House, a majority of votes cast for a person by name was required.[22]Click here to read more.
Rep.Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) (216-212)
Red x.svg Nay
Declaring the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives to be vacant.
 
H.Res. 757 (Declaring the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives to be vacant.) was a resolution passed by the House of Representatives that removed Rep.Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his position as Speaker of the House. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the House.[23]Click here to read more.
Yes check.svg Passed (216-210)[24]
Rep.Mike Johnson (R-La.)
Speaker of the House election (October 2023) - 4th vote
 
In October 2023, following Rep.Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) removal as Speaker of the House, theHouse of Representatives heldanother election for the position. Voting began on October 17 and ended on October 25. Rep.Mike Johnson (R-La.) was elected Speaker of the House in a 220-209 vote in the fourth round of voting. In order to elect a Speaker of the House, a majority of votes cast for a person by name was required.[25]Click here to read more.
Rep.Mike Johnson (R-La.) (220-209)
Red x.svg Nay
Providing for the expulsion of Representative George Santos from the United States House of Representatives.
 
H.Res. 878 (Providing for the expulsion of Representative George Santos from the United States House of Representatives.) was a resolution passed by the House of Representatives that removed Rep.George Santos (R-N.Y.) from office following aHouse Ethics Committee investigation that determined there was substantial evidence that Santos violated the law during his 2020 and 2022 campaigns. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the House.[26]
Yes check.svg Passed (311-114)[27]


Elections

2024

See also: New York's 1st Congressional District election, 2024

New York's 1st Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Democratic primary)

New York's 1st Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 1

IncumbentNicholas J. LaLota defeatedJohn Avlon in the general election for U.S. House New York District 1 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Nicholas J. LaLota
Nicholas J. LaLota (R / Conservative Party) Candidate Connection
 
55.2
 
226,285
Image of John Avlon
John Avlon (D) Candidate Connection
 
44.8
 
183,540
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.1
 
275

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 410,100
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 1

John Avlon defeatedNancy Goroff in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 1 on June 25, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of John Avlon
John Avlon Candidate Connection
 
70.1
 
19,383
Image of Nancy Goroff
Nancy Goroff
 
29.9
 
8,253

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 27,636
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. IncumbentNicholas J. LaLota advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 1.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Conservative Party primary election

The Conservative Party primary election was canceled. IncumbentNicholas J. LaLota advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 1.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Santos in this election.

2024

See also: New York's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024

New York's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Republican primary)

New York's 3rd Congressional District election, 2024 (June 25 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 3

IncumbentTom Suozzi defeatedMichael LiPetri Jr. in the general election for U.S. House New York District 3 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Tom Suozzi
Tom Suozzi (D / Common Sense Party)
 
51.7
 
187,651
Image of Michael LiPetri Jr.
Michael LiPetri Jr. (R / Conservative Party)
 
48.1
 
174,693
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.2
 
780

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 363,124
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. IncumbentTom Suozzi advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled.Michael LiPetri Jr. advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Conservative Party primary election

The Conservative Party primary election was canceled.Michael LiPetri Jr. advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2022

See also: New York's 3rd Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 3

George Santos defeatedRobert Zimmerman in the general election for U.S. House New York District 3 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of George Santos
George Santos (R / Conservative Party) Candidate Connection
 
53.7
 
145,824
Image of Robert Zimmerman
Robert Zimmerman (D / Working Families Party)
 
46.2
 
125,404
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
103

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 271,331
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 3

Robert Zimmerman defeatedJon Kaiman,Joshua Lafazan,Melanie D'Arrigo, andReema Rasool in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 3 on August 23, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Robert Zimmerman
Robert Zimmerman
 
35.8
 
10,074
Image of Jon Kaiman
Jon Kaiman Candidate Connection
 
25.7
 
7,242
Image of Joshua Lafazan
Joshua Lafazan
 
19.7
 
5,554
Image of Melanie D'Arrigo
Melanie D'Arrigo Candidate Connection
 
16.0
 
4,519
Image of Reema Rasool
Reema Rasool Candidate Connection
 
2.6
 
738
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.2
 
51

Ballotpedia Logo

There were noincumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 28,178
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled.George Santos advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Conservative Party primary election

The Conservative Party primary election was canceled.George Santos advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Working Families Party primary election

The Working Families Party primary election was canceled.Melanie D'Arrigo advanced from the Working Families Party primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

2020

See also: New York's 3rd Congressional District election, 2020

New York's 3rd Congressional District election, 2020 (June 23 Republican primary)

New York's 3rd Congressional District election, 2020 (June 23 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New York District 3

IncumbentTom Suozzi defeatedGeorge Santos andHoward Rabin in the general election for U.S. House New York District 3 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Tom Suozzi
Tom Suozzi (D / Working Families Party / Independence Party)
 
55.9
 
208,555
Image of George Santos
George Santos (R / Conservative Party) Candidate Connection
 
43.4
 
161,931
Image of Howard Rabin
Howard Rabin (L)
 
0.6
 
2,156
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
139

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 372,781
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 3

IncumbentTom Suozzi defeatedMelanie D'Arrigo andMichael Weinstock in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New York District 3 on June 23, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Tom Suozzi
Tom Suozzi
 
66.4
 
36,812
Image of Melanie D'Arrigo
Melanie D'Arrigo Candidate Connection
 
25.7
 
14,269
Image of Michael Weinstock
Michael Weinstock Candidate Connection
 
7.7
 
4,284
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.2
 
95

Ballotpedia Logo

Incumbents arebolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 55,460
Candidate Connection = candidate completed theBallotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you,complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data?Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled.George Santos advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Conservative Party primary election

The Conservative Party primary election was canceled.George Santos advanced from the Conservative Party primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Independence Party primary election

The Independence Party primary election was canceled. IncumbentTom Suozzi advanced from the Independence Party primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Libertarian primary election

The Libertarian primary election was canceled.Howard Rabin advanced from the Libertarian primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Working Families Party primary election

The Working Families Party primary election was canceled.Bob Cohen advanced from the Working Families Party primary for U.S. House New York District 3.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also:Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

George Santos did not completeBallotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also:Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

George Santos did not completeBallotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Candidate Connection

George Santos completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Santos' responses.

Expand all |Collapse all

I am a first-generation American born in Queens, New York. My grandparents fled Jewish persecution in Ukraine, settled in Belgium, and again fled persecution during WWII. They were able to settle in Brazil, where my mother was born. My father, who comes from Angolan roots, was also born in Brazil. Both my mother and father legally immigrated to the United States in search of the American dream, where they began their new lives on the foundations of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

From an early age, I was taught the value of hard work by my mother. My mother came from nothing, but worked her way up to be the first female executive at a major financial institution. On September 11, 2001, she was in her office in the South Tower. She survived the horrific events of that day, but unfortunately passed away a few years later.

I followed my mom's example and pursue a career in finance. I became a Wall Street financier and investor, with extensive work in capital introduction, real estate, capital markets, bio-tech and ETC. He participated in landmark deals on Wall Street, and worked my way up to being one of the youngest vice presidents in the industry.

America used to be a country that rewarded hard work and entrepreneurship. But instead, Democrats have chosen to punish hard working Americans with tax hikes and rising inflation. Washington doesn't need another politician – it needs an outsider who will fight for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and hard work.
  • In the U.S. House of Representatives, I will work to end the inflation crisis and lower gas prices that are plaguing all Americans. Step number 1 is make America energy independent. In doing so, we will have thousands of new American jobs, as well as cheaper cost of living and a cleaner environment.
  • I will work to make New York's Third Congressional District a safer place for everyone. I will stand up for police and let them do their job, keeping our community safe. I will always back the police and support them anyway I can.
  • I will fight to preserve the American dream for many generations to come. I am a walking example of the American Dream. My parents came to America in search of making a better life for me and my family. I worked extremely hard to make the American dream a reality. I want to ensure that this is also a reality for our kids and grandkids.
One of the things I'm most passionate about is integrity and honesty in our government, especially financial policies. When elected, one of the first issues I want to take on is eliminating stock buying and trading for members of Congress and their families. Congress is privy to information that average citizens are not. This is why some people elected to Congress and left with their net worth tripled.
The number one responsibility of a United States Congressman is to represent their district. A Congressman has to be able to block out everything else going on around them in order to focus on best representing the district to which he or she is elected.
I want to leave a legacy of hard work and dedication to make New York's Third District and America a better place. I am running for office to preserve the American Dream for many generations to come. When I leave office, I want to restore a new found confidence in our government and elected officials. I want to represent a new generation of leaders in our government and in our nation.
The first major historical event I have a deep comprehension of was September 11, 2001. This day is very personal for me as my mother was in the South Tower. She managed to escape the collapsing building and came to get me from school. My mother has since passed away, but September 11, 2001 is a day I will never forget.
If I could be any fictional character, I would be Captain America.
When elected, I want to be part of the financial services committee. Because of my experience in the finance world, this is where I would be able to best serve my constituents and the country. I believe it is crucial that we bring new ideas and integrity to our government in order to help our country continue to grow and thrive.
Yes, I believe that two years is the right length for representative terms. The short length helps hold our representatives accountable to their constituents. If the terms were longer, Congressmen could say one thing just to get elected but completely abandon their constituents when elected and there wouldn't be anything they could do. In addition, two year terms helps maintain the checks and balances system.
I am a strong believer in term limits. I have signed the term limits pledge, stating that I will only serve 3 terms of 2 years in United States Congress. I believe that our founding fathers never intended for Congressmen to spend their entire lives in Washington D.C., rather they should go to Washington D.C. for a period of time to serve the people then return home to live under the laws and legislation they passed while in office.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Candidate Connection

George Santos completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Santos' responses.

Expand all |Collapse all

My story is the story of New York. I'm a first generation American. My parents immigrated from Brazil seeking the American dream. The dream that drew my parents was opportunity. A chance to work hard, play by the rules, and achieve success. Now I have the opportunity to serve and give back to our community. The opportunities once available for my parents are becoming harder to achieve for my generation and our community. I believe the solution to many of our issues in Albany and Washington is a less bureaucratic government. Every day we see activist politicians pushing for bigger government, higher taxes, and increasingly pushing for outright socialism. The left's radical agenda will destroy the American dream and opportunity for the next generation, our generation. It couldn't be more clear; Washington is broken. And it's broken because of career politicians like Thomas Suozzi, who has been serving on the taxpayer's dime for 17 years. It's time for fresh, new leadership. I'm a next generation Republican and I'm in this fight to bring common sense solutions to Washington for your family. I want to expand opportunities for all Americans. Let's fix Washington and New York. Join me in the fight!
There are increasing voices on the left that seem to suggest the answer to many of our social ills is to strip away individual freedoms. This ranges from regulating speech to making it difficult for the average American for their basic right to self-defense. George believes we can't just talk about freedom, diversity, and tolerance, we must act on and protect those values.

Where George Stands:
• George supports legislative action to protect free speech in public spaces, including educational institutions. George also supports Religions Freedom, and will protect churches and synagogues from ever being mandated upon by the government.
• George is committed to defending every citizen's right to a firearm as interpreted in the 2007 Supreme Court District of Columbia vs Heller decision.

• And George also strongly supports non-discrimination protections and marriage equality.
I have an extensive background in money management/growth and I'm good at it.
I believe I can bring my expertise to the house of reps and help create a balance on costs and balancing budgets.
One of change and invocation for future generations to build on for prosperity of our great nation.
Art of the Deal (Donald J Trump)
maintaining a sustainable fiscal balance, we have allowed ourselves to print unlimited amounts of money unhinged. we must start to pave the way now for future generations of leaders to be able to fix the mess that has fallen down on us in our nation.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Notable endorsements

See also:Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia'scoverage scope.

Notable candidate endorsements by George Santos
EndorseeElectionStageOutcome
Andrew Cuomo  source  (D, Fight and Deliver Party)Mayor of New York (2025)GeneralLost General
Donald Trump  source  (Conservative Party, R)President of the United States (2024)PrimaryWon General

Noteworthy events

Trump commutes Santos' sentence on federal fraud and identity theft charges (2025)

On October 17, 2025, PresidentDonald Trump (R) commuted the remainder of Santos' seven-year sentence on federal fraud and identity theft charges.[3] Santos pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges in August 2024 and was sentenced in April 2025.[28][29]

Expulsion from Congress (2023)

TheUnited States House of Representatives Committee on Ethics released a report on November 16, 2023, following an investigation into Santos. The report corroborated many of the allegations contained in federal indictments brought against Santos in 2023, finding that Santos misused campaign funds and submitted false financial information.[30][31] The House voted 311-114 to expel Santos on December 1, 2023.[1]

Federal indictments (2022-2025)

See also:Noteworthy criminal misconduct in American politics (2023-2024)

Multiple outlets reported on December 29, 2022, that the U.S. attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York had opened an investigation into Santos' finances and disclosures.[32] On May 9, 2023, prosecutors filed federal criminal charges against Santos.[33][34]

Santos surrendered to federal authorities on May 10, 2023, to be charged.[35] The Justice Department indicted Santos on 13 counts, including seven counts 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.[36] The indictment alleged that Santos engaged in insurance fraud, made false statements to the U.S. House of Representatives, and laundered political contributions to his personal spending accounts.[36] Santos was released on a $500,000 bond.[35]

On October 10, 2023, investigators filed 10 more charges against Santos, alleging he stole donors' credit card information and falsified donation records.[37] Santos pleaded not guilty to all 23 charges.[30]

On August 19, 2024, Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft.[2] As part of his plea, Santos was required to pay restitution of $373,749.97 and forfeiture of $205,002.97.[38] In a statement, Santos said, "I betrayed the trust of my constituents and supporters. I deeply regret my conduct."[39]

On April 25, 2025, Santos was sentenced to 87 months in prison.[29]

False biographical claims (2022-2023)

On December 19, 2022, theNew York Times published an investigation alleging that Santos misrepresented his work history and education.[40] Following theNew York Times' investigation, several news media outlets reported that Santos fabricated details about his career, education, family heritage, and financial wealth.

In response to media coverage of his statements, Santos said, "My sins here are embellishing my resume. I'm sorry."[41]

Claims about education

In biographies published by the NRCC and his campaign website, Santos claimed to have received degrees from Baruch College and NYU.[42] On December 19, 2022, theNew York Times reported that officials at Baruch College and NYU could not find any record of Santos attending those institutions.[43]

On December 26, 2022, Santos told theNew York Post that he lied about his work and educational experience, saying he never graduated from Baruch College in 2010. "I didn’t graduate from any institution of higher learning. I’m embarrassed and sorry for having embellished my resume,” Santos said. “I own up to that … We do stupid things in life."[41]

Claims about employment and wealth

Santos' campaign biography said that he had worked as an associate at Citigroup before joining Goldman Sachs.[42] The New York Times reported that there were no records of Santos working at those firms.[43]

On December 26, 2022, Santos said in an interview with theNew York Post that he had never been directly employed by Citigroup or Goldman Sachs, but that a company he worked for had been in limited partnerships with the firms. Santos said the misunderstanding was due to a "poor choice of words."[41]

In 2021, Santos said he and his family owned 13 rental properties.[44] In December 2022, Santos toldThe New York Post that claim was not true. “George Santos does not own any properties,” Santos said.[41]

Claims about family heritage

Santos' campaign website said his mother had been born in Brazil after his grandparents had "fled Jewish persecution in Ukraine, settled in Belgium, and again fled persecution during WWII."[42] Santos also claimed his grandparents had survived the Holocaust.[45][46]

On December 21, 2022, multiple media outlets reported that, according to public records, both of Santos' maternal grandparents were born in Brazil before World War II.CNN and other news outlets also reported that there was no evidence of Santos having Ukrainian or Jewish heritage.[45][47]

On December 27,Forward reported that Santos described himself as a "proud American Jew" in a position paper shared by his campaign.[48] In a November 10 interview withJewish Insider, Santos described himself as a non-observant Jew.[49]

In an interview with theNew York Post, Santos said he never claimed to be Jewish. Santos said. "I am Catholic. Because I learned my maternal family had a Jewish background I said I was ‘Jew-ish.'"[41]

Campaign finance issues (2022-2023)

On September 22, 2022, theNorth Shore Leader' wrote that Santos' reported net worth had substantially risen between his 2020 and 2022, according to financial disclosures Santos filed as part of his 2020 and 2022 congressional campaigns.[50]

In 2020, Santos' filed personal finance disclosures that listed no more than $5,000 in assets and a yearly salary of $55,000. Two years later, as part of his 2022 campaign, Santos filed financial disclosures that indicated he earned between $3.5 million and $11.5 million from the Devolder Organization, a firm Santos founded in 2021. The disclosure also stated Santos loaned his congressional campaign more than $700,000.[51]

In an interview with Semafor on December 28, Santos said the Devolder Organization was in the capital introduction business. Santos' said that part of his wealth came from several million-dollar contracts he received within six months of starting the firm.[51]

On January 9, 2023,The Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit group focused on campaign finance, filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission asking the organization to investigate the source of Santos' campaign funds.[52]

On January 10, U.S. Reps.Daniel Goldman (D-NY) andRitchie Torres (D-NY) filed a complaint with the House Ethics Committee asking the body to investigate Santos' financial disclosures. "At a minimum, it is apparent that [Santos] did not file timely disclosure reports for his most recent campaign. Moreover, his own public statements have contradicted some information included in the 2022 financial disclosure and confirmed that the 2022 financial disclosure failed to disclose other required information," the complaint read.[53]

In response to the complaint, Santos said, "[Goldman and Torres] are free to do whatever they want to do. ... I have done nothing unethical."[54]

Federal and county investigations

On December 28, 2022,Newsday reported that Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly had opened an investigation into Santos' actions.[55]

On March 2, 2023, theHouse Ethics Committee announced that it was investigating whether or not Santos had violated financial disclosure laws, violated conflict of interest laws, or engaged in unlawful activity. The probe also sought to determine whether or not Santos engaged in sexual misconduct.[56]

Reopening of case in Brazil (2022-2023)

TheNew York Times reported that, in 2010, Santos was charged with check fraud while living in Brazil. According to Brazilian authorities, as of December 2022, the case remained unresolved.[43] On January 2, 2023, theNew York Times reported that Brazilian authorities were planning to revive the case against Santos.[57]

On December 26, 2022, Santos denied the charges. Santos said, "I am not a criminal here — not here or in Brazil or any jurisdiction in the world."[41] On May 11, 2023, Santos signed a non-prosecution agreement with prosecutors in Brazil.[58]

See also


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    • Footnotes

    1. ↑1.01.1NPR, "New York Republican George Santos expelled from Congress," December 1, 2023
    2. ↑2.02.1The Hill, "George Santos pleads guilty to two felonies in fraud case," August 19, 2024
    3. ↑3.03.1The New York Times, "Santos Is Released From Prison After Trump Commutes His 7-Year Sentence," October 17, 2025
    4. ↑Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 24, 2020
    5. ↑George Santos for Congress, "About," accessed November 23, 2022
    6. ↑CNN, "Inside George Santos’ transformation from Anthony Devolder into a political figure," February 1, 2023
    7. ↑Roll Call, "GOP Rep. Santos recuses himself from committees," accessed January 31, 2023
    8. ↑Congress.gov, "H.R.185 - To terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers, and for other purposes." accessed February 23, 2024
    9. ↑Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, "Roll Call 116," accessed May 15, 2025
    10. ↑Congress.gov, "H.R.2811 - Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023," accessed February 23, 2024
    11. ↑Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, "Roll Call 199," accessed May 15, 2025
    12. ↑Congress.gov, "H.Con.Res.9 - Denouncing the horrors of socialism." accessed February 23, 2024
    13. ↑Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, "Roll Call 106," accessed May 15, 2025
    14. ↑Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - Lower Energy Costs Act," accessed February 23, 2024
    15. ↑Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, "Roll Call 182," accessed May 15, 2025
    16. ↑Congress.gov, "H.J.Res.30 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to 'Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights'." accessed February 23, 2024
    17. ↑Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, "Roll Call 149," accessed May 15, 2025
    18. ↑Congress.gov, "H.J.Res.7 - Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020." accessed February 23, 2024
    19. ↑Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, "Roll Call 104," accessed May 15, 2025
    20. ↑Congress.gov, "H.R.3746 - Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023," accessed February 23, 2024
    21. ↑Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, "Roll Call 243," accessed May 15, 2025
    22. ↑Congress.gov, "Roll Call 20," accessed February 23, 2024
    23. ↑Congress.gov, "H.Res.757 - Declaring the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives to be vacant.," accessed February 23, 2024
    24. ↑Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, "Roll Call 519," accessed May 15, 2025
    25. ↑Congress.gov, "Roll Call 527," accessed February 23, 2024
    26. ↑Congress.gov, "H.Res.878 - Providing for the expulsion of Representative George Santos from the United States House of Representatives." accessed February 23, 2024
    27. ↑Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, "Roll Call 691," accessed May 15, 2025
    28. ↑CBS News, "George Santos reaches plea deal, pleads guilty to wire fraud and identity theft," August 20, 2024
    29. ↑29.029.1The New York Times, "George Santos Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Fraud and Obstruction", accessed April 25, 2025
    30. ↑30.030.1Politico, "Santos ethics reports finds ‘substantial evidence’ of criminal wrongdoing," November 16, 2023
    31. ↑NPR, "Ethics report finds Santos used campaign funds to pay for OnlyFans, Botox, Sephora," November 16, 2023
    32. ↑CBS, "Federal and county prosecutors probing Rep.-elect George Santos," December 29, 2022
    33. ↑CNN, "READ: The charges against Rep. George Santos," May 10, 2023
    34. ↑AP News, "AP sources: US Rep. George Santos facing federal charges," May 9, 2023
    35. ↑35.035.1New York Times, "Live Updates: George Santos Is in Custody Facing Federal Charges," accessed May 10, 2023
    36. ↑36.036.1United States Attorney's Office, "Congressman George Santos Charged with Fraud, Money Laundering, Theft of Public Funds, and False Statements," accessed May 10, 2023
    37. ↑United States District Court Eastern District of New York, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA against GEORGE ANTHONY DEVOLDER SANTOS", accessed October 11, 2023
    38. ↑Justice.org, "Former Congressman George Santos Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft," accessed August 20, 2024
    39. ↑AP, "George Santos pleads guilty, acknowledging lies and blaming ambition for conning his way to Congress," August 19, 2024
    40. ↑New York Times, "Who Is Rep.-Elect George Santos? His Résumé May Be Largely Fiction," accessed December 26, 2022
    41. ↑41.041.141.241.341.441.5New York Post, "Liar Rep.-elect George Santos admits fabricating key details of his bio," December 26, 2022
    42. ↑42.042.142.2GeorgeforNY, "About," accessed January 10, 2022
    43. ↑43.043.143.2The New York Times, "Who Is Rep.-Elect George Santos? His Résumé May Be Largely Fiction," December 19, 2022
    44. ↑Twitter, "George Santos," February 9, 2021
    45. ↑45.045.1CNN, "Incoming congressman’s claims his grandparents fled the Holocaust contradicted by genealogy records, December 22, 2022
    46. ↑Twitter, "George Santos," June 2, 2020
    47. ↑Forward, "Congressman-elect George Santos lied about grandparents fleeing anti-Jewish persecution during WWII," December 21, 2022
    48. ↑Forward, "Document reveals Santos boasted of being ‘proud American Jew’ during campaign," December 27, 2022
    49. ↑Jewish Insider, "Meet the next Jewish Republican congressman from Long Island," November 10, 2022
    50. ↑The North Shore Leader, "Santos Filings Now Claim Net Worth of $11 Million," accessed January 1, 2023
    51. ↑51.051.1Semafor, "George Santos tries to explain his wealth," December 28, 2022
    52. ↑The Washington Post, "George Santos broke campaign finance laws, nonpartisan watchdog says," January 9, 2022
    53. ↑ABCNews, "George Santos target of ethics complaint by New York Democrats," January 10, 2023
    54. ↑ABCNews, "George Santos target of ethics complaint by New York Democrats," January 10, 2023
    55. ↑Newsday, "Nassau DA Donnelly opens investigation into George Santos," December 28, 2022
    56. ↑The New York Times, "House Ethics Committee Opens Inquiry Into George Santos," accessed March 2, 2023
    57. ↑The New York Times, "Brazilian Authorities Will Revive Fraud Case Against George Santos," January 2, 2023
    58. ↑AP, "George Santos signs deal to avoid prosecution in Brazil over forged checks," accessed May 12, 2023

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