NEW YORK (AP) — Embattled freshman U.S. Representative George Santos, a New York Republican accused of a host of financial crimes including embezzling campaign money, has withdrawn $85,000 from his campaign to help repay hundreds of thousands of dollars he loaned himself to be elected in 2022.
Congressional campaign records released on Friday show Santos has raised a relatively paltry $138,000 over the past three months for a re-election bid that is expected to be one of the most-watched and contested races in the country in 2024. .
Records show he spent nearly $118,000, most of it to start paying back the more than $700,000 he loaned himself for his successful but surprising win last year.
The disappointing fundraising suggests potential difficulties fending off a challenge from fellow Republican Kellen Curry, an Afghanistan War veteran and former JP Morgan banker, who raised more than $200,000 and spent $36,000 over the course of the same period.
Meanwhile, the leading Democrat vying for New York’s third congressional district, Nassau County lawmaker Joshua Lafazan, has raised more than $345,000, much of which is still in the bank.
Santos pleaded not guilty in May to a 13-count federal indictment accusing him of looting his campaign coffers, fraudulently collecting unemployment and lying to Congress about that he was a millionaire. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
A day later, he signed an agreement with Brazilian officials that allowed him to avoid prosecution for forging two checks stolen in 2008.
Despite his legal woes, Santos has vowed to fight to retain his seat in Congress, which primarily encompasses the western suburbs of Long Island but also overlaps parts of the borough of Queens in New York.
Complicating matters is whether congressional districts will have to be redrawn again, which could spell trouble for some Republican incumbents if congressional lines are shifted to make districts more Democratic-friendly.
Santos announced his re-election bid in April, despite a steady drumbeat calling for his resignation due to his numerous deceptions during his last campaign, including lies about his education, his Wall Street pedigree and others. CV productions.
Serious questions about his finances have also surfaced – including the source of what appears to be a rapidly amassed fortune despite recent financial troubles including evictions and thousands in unpaid rent.
Santos is also being investigated by the House committee, as well as local officials, into whether he violated any laws during his previous campaign.