Lauren Boebert welcomes George Santos back to Congress with a hug

Disgraced former Congressmember George Santos attended President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address last night. Santos was expelled from the House late last year after an ethics probe found evidence that he was involved in fraud, but he retains the privilege of attending the State of the Union address.

He then announced that he’s running for Congress again.

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Santos could be seen talking with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) – who is currently facing an ethics probe himself for allegedly sexually abusing a minor – and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), who is one of the most anti-LGBTQ+ members of the House.

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SHAWN THEW/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK Mar 7, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Former Republican Representative from New York George Santos (L) chats with Republican Representative from Colorado Lauren Boebert (R) ahead of US President Joe Biden’s third State of the Union address SHAWN THEW/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK Mar 7, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Former Republican Representative from New York George Santos (L) chats with Republican Representative from Colorado Lauren Boebert (C) and Republican Representative from Florida Matt Gaetz (R) SHAWN THEW/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK Mar 7, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Republican Representative from Florida Matt Gaetz (L) and former Republican Representative from New York George Santos (C) chat

At one point, he and Boebert hugged.

SHAWN THEW/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK Mar 7, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Former Republican Representative from New York George Santos (L) hugs Republican Representative from Colorado Lauren Boebert (R)

He also chatted briefly with Reps. Al Green (D-TX) and Joe Negus (D-CO).

SHAWN THEW/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK Mar 7, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Former Republican Representative from New York George Santos (C) chats with Democratic Representatives Al Green from Texas (L) and Joe Negus from Colorado (R)

Santos was apparently not impressed with Biden’s speech, calling him a “weak, frail president” who “lies to the American people from inside the chambers.”

While he was insulting Biden, he announced his reelection campaign.

“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 said. “Tonight, I want to announce that I will be returning to the arena of politics and challenging Nick for the battle over [New York’s First Congressional District]. I look forward to debating him on the issues and on his weak record as a Republican. The fight for our majority is imperative for the survival of the country.”

Santos represented New York’s Third Congressional District for the brief period that he was in Congress. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY), who currently represents New York’s First Congressional District, was part of a group of New York Republicans who led the effort to expel Santos. The First is near the Third and includes less densely populated areas of eastern Long Island.

Santos also said that he “left office arbitrarily,” but a community note on X reminded readers that he was expelled from the House and is currently indicted for “multiple fraudulent schemes.”

Tonight, I came to the SOTU with an open mind and heart because I believe in the great idea that is the United States of America.

I just witnessed a weak, frail president deliver spin and lies to the American people from inside the chambers. I have made several personal…

— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) March 8, 2024

“George Santos is a liar and a grifter who is a disgraced, expelled Member of Congress,” a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson said in a statement. “Santos’ announcement to challenge vulnerable New York Republican Nik LaLota is the latest glimpse into the Republicans’ messy, chaotic attempt to maintain the House.”

The New York congressional primary is scheduled for June 25. Santos has pleaded not guilty to all the criminal charges he’s facing.

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