After admitting to “embellishment” on the campaign trail, GEORGE Santos’ election victory was controversial.
The lawmaker from New York admitted to fabricating his career history and religious background.
American politician George Santos hails from Queens, New York.
As a “seasoned businessman, financier, and investor” with “experience achieving results in the corporate sector,” he identifies himself.
He supports causes including tax cuts, energy independence, and decreased inflation.
Santos ran for the third congressional district at the 2020 US House election in his home state.
He was defeated in the election by Democratic incumbent Thomas Suozzi, though.
Santos ran for the US House once more in 2022 and won that year’s election.
He expressed his election triumph on Twitter by writing: “Without my team, this victory would not be possible.
“It’s difficult to run for office, yet these men never ceased to impress me.
“Their skills, passion, and professionalism is awe-inspiring.”
He tweeted: “We did it! #NY03 has spoken! I promised one thing throughout this entire campaign: to be your champion in DC.
“Thank you for this opportunity to be your voice! Thank you for your tenacity, guidance, and motivation that brought us this win.”
What did Santos do?
On December 19, 2022, The New York Times published an expose that proved Congressman-elect Santos falsified several details of his background.
According to a background check conducted by the outlet, Santos presented a number of falsehoods in relation to his:
- Religious upbringing
- Cultural heritage
- College enrollment
- Employment history
- Real estate assets
Santos broke his silence over the media attention through a tweet through his lawyer, writing: “It is no surprise that Congressman-elect has enemies at the New York Times who are attempting to destroy his good name with these slanderous charges.”
Later, Santos acknowledged that he had fabricated a number of elements of his campaign.
I am not a criminal, he declared to the New York Post. I won’t let the controversy stop me from being a successful legislator.
“I will be effective. I will be good. My sins here are embellishing my resume. I’m sorry.
“I didn’t graduate from any institution of higher learning. I’m embarrassed and sorry for having embellished my resume.”
Santos added: “I own up to that…We do stupid things in life.
“I am Catholic. Because I learned my maternal family had a Jewish background I said I was ‘Jew-ish.'”
