Embattled Long Island Rep. George Santos is expected to announce his reelection campaign on Monday in Washington D.C., according to a source familiar with the matter.
Despite numerous calls for his resignation from both parties due to multiple lies about his personal and professional life, the Republican congressman is said to have contacted major donors and met with supporters, believing he can raise between $500,000 and $750,000 in Q2 2023, according to an individual close to Santos.
"Many of us Americans are willing to accept all sorts of resurrection, perhaps Representative George Santos will be another," stated entrepreneur Josh Eisen, a prominent Santos donor, who did not confirm whether he would support him again.
Santos is currently under a House ethics investigation, partly due to his dishonesty about his background. Additionally, his campaign finances are under federal scrutiny.
Some of Santos' harshest critics have emerged from his district's local Republican party. Nassau County GOP leader Joseph Cairo accused Santos of having "disgraced the House of Representatives" and conducting a campaign of "deceits, lies, and fabrications" to secure the vote in New York's Third Congressional District.
The party is expected to put up a strong primary challenge against Santos. Long Island State Sen. Jack Martins is rumored to be a favorite of Cairo's. Nassau County legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip and Stefano Forte, a former GOP State Senate candidate, have also been mentioned as potential challengers.
Speculation has arisen about Queens GOP City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino or Councilwoman Inna Vernikov joining the race. Cairo previously informed The Post that he had been approached by ten potential contenders.
Gavin Wax, president of the New York Young Republicans who supported Santos' 2022 campaign, said, "If the field is crowded enough and Santos keeps running to the right, it's possible he could skate by with a plurality." Wax added, "He needs to build a cult following and continue to humanize himself."
Should Santos survive a primary, he would face a well-funded Democratic opponent in the general election campaign. The Democratic party has identified this seat as a top priority for 2024 and has already earmarked millions of dollars for the effort.