Embattled Rep.-elect Santos faces GOP pushback, Dem demands for special election

Embattled New York GOP Rep.-elect George Santos faces increased scrutiny from both Democrats and members of his own party for making false claims about his background during the campaign.

Santos recently admitted that he had never worked for Goldman Sachs or Citigroup as his campaign website claimed, but rather that he had worked for a completely separate organization that he says did business with them. Moreover, he falsely stated that he held a degree from Baruch College, though he later told the New York Post that he had never received any college degree.

Nassau County GOP Chairman Joseph Cairo on Tuesday lamented the falsehoods Santos espoused while seeking office, saying "Congressman-Elect George Santos has broken the public trust by making serious misstatements regarding his background, experience and education, among other issues," per The Hill.

Moreover, his Democratic opponent has since called on the Republican to agree to a rematch amid the allegations, suggesting they face off in a special election.

"George, if that's even your real name, if you're so convinced that #NY3 voters still trust you — resign & run against me again in a special election. Face the voters with your real past & answer questions about your criminal history. Let the voters decide," wrote Democrat Robert Zimmerman.

Santos has further attracted criticism from the Republican Jewish Coalition over his claims that his grandparents were Jewish and fled Nazi Germany to escape persecution. Multiple media outlets have since cast doubts on those claims as well, prompting the coalition to assert that Santos is not welcome at its events.

"He deceived us and misrepresented his heritage. In public comments and to us personally he previously claimed to be Jewish. He has begun his tenure in Congress on a very wrong note. He will not be welcome at any future RJC event," said CEO Matt Brooks in a statement, according to The Hill.