Santos survives: House rejects resolution to expel embattled New York Republican

The House of Representatives voted decisively against a resolution to expel New York Republican Rep. George Santos on Wednesday evening.

Two-hundred thirteen lawmakers opposed his ouster, while 179 voted in favor and 19 voted present, according to Punchbowl News's Jake Sherman. Two-thirds of the chamber would have needed to back his expulsion for it to pass.

New York Republicans last week brought a privileged resolution to force a vote on his expulsion, citing the recent guilty plea of his former campaign treasurer Nancy Marks. Santos, on Friday, pleaded not guilty to federal fraud charges in a superseding indictment. In May, he pleaded not guilty to 13 criminal charges, though the subsequent indictment brought 10 additional counts. He is next due back in court on Dec. 12.

Santos celebrated reacted to the vote, saying "[tonight] was a victory for due process not me."

Tonight was a victory for due process not me.



This was never about me, and I’ll never let it become about me.



We all have rights under this great Constitutional Republic and I’ll fight for our right to uphold them till my last dying breath. pic.twitter.com/dLyNDEsmuQ

— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) November 2, 2023

Prior to the vote, Santos expressed defiance, telling supporters on social media that "I’m fine and calm."

"God does not give each of us a burden heavier than we can carry. I’ll defend myself as best I can and stand up for my constitutional rights to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty," he said. "This is not nearly the end of the road for me. God bless all!"

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.