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Who would you rather represent New York's 1st District in Congress?
- George Santos
- Nick LaLota
- Someone else
The Republican ex-lawmaker from Long Island – who was ousted from his 3rd District seat representing parts of Nassau County and Queens – announced a primary challenge against Rep. Nick LaLota for his 1st District seat.
In a statement on X shared during President Biden’s State of the Union address Thursday night, March 7, Santos said New York hasn’t had “a real conservative represent them” since he left office “thanks to RINO, empty suits like Nick LaLota.”
“After a lot of prayer and conversation with my friends and family, I have made a very important decision that will shake things up,” he continued. “Tonight, I want to announce that I will be returning to the arena of politics and challenging Nick for the battle over #NY1."
Santos said he looks forward to debating LaLota 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 said. "God bless you all and we are off to the races.”
New York’s 1st District includes the eastern two-thirds of Suffolk County, including Huntington, Smithtown, Riverhead, and Southampton.
In a response on X, LaLota boasted about leading the charge to expel Santos "to raise the standard in Congress, and to hold a pathological liar who stole an election accountable."
"If finishing the job requires beating him in a primary, count me in," he said.
The US House voted to oust Santos from office in December 2023 amid mounting accusations of criminality. He is facing a total of 23 federal criminal counts, including identity theft, wire fraud, money laundering, and lying to Congress. His trial is scheduled to start in September.
Democrat Tom Suozzi, who formerly held the 3rd District seat before mounting an unsuccessful bid for New York governor, won a special election filling the remainder of Santos' term in February. He defeated Republican Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip.
What Do You Think? Who would you rather represent New York's 1st District in Congress? Sound off in our poll above.
Related Coverage:
- US House Expels Nassau Rep. George Santos In Historic Vote
- George Santos Stole Thousands From Donors, Inflated Fundraising Totals, New Indictment Alleges
- Not Laughing: George Santos Sues Jimmy Kimmel For 'Deceiving' Him Into Making Cameo Videos
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