George Santos announces he is officially 'no longer a New York City resident'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former Rep George Santos announced on Thursday, January 1, that he is officially “no longer a New York City resident,” hours after Zohran Mamdani took the oath as the city’s new mayor.

Santos, who represented New York’s 3rd Congressional District, shared the update in a brief post on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “I am officially no longer a New York City resident,” followed by a broken heart emoji. The announcement came as political attention in the city centered on Mamdani’s historic inauguration.

Santos is one of only six members in US history to be expelled from Congress, following a damning House Ethics Committee report in 2023. The investigation found that he had misused campaign funds and stolen the identities of at least 11 individuals, including members of his own family.

George Santos ready to leave New York City

The former congressman did not disclose where he is relocating or the specific reason behind his move. However, the timing of his post drew attention, as it came just hours after Zohran Mamdani officially assumed office as New York City’s mayor.

Santos’ departure follows a turbulent legal chapter. In July 2025, he was sent to a federal prison in New Jersey to begin serving a seven-year sentence. Three months later, in October 2025, President Donald Trump commuted that sentence, allowing Santos to return home. 

Announcing the decision on Truth Social, Trump wrote that Santos “has been horribly mistreated,” adding, “Therefore, I just signed a Commutation, releasing George Santos from prison, IMMEDIATELY. Good luck George, have a great life!”

When Santos was sentenced earlier in April, the presiding judge said, “You got elected with your words, most of which were lies.” An emotional Santos responded in court, saying, “I cannot rewrite the past, but I can control the road ahead."

In mid-October, Santos also published an open letter to Trump in the South Shore Press, describing it as a “passionate plea” and asking for “the opportunity to return to my family, my friends, and my community.” In the letter, he revealed that he had spent time in solitary confinement following a death threat made against him in August and expressed deep remorse for his actions.

Zohran Mamdani praises Bernie Sanders as he takes office

Zohran Mamdani became New York City’s 112th mayor following a closely watched election. During his inauguration, he highlighted the influence of Senator Bernie Sanders, who also administered the oath of office.

“Thank you to the man whose leadership I seek most to emulate, who I am so grateful to be sworn in by today, Senator Bernie Sanders,” Mamdani said during his address.

Sanders later spoke to the crowd and led chants of “Tax the rich,” reinforcing the progressive economic vision Mamdani outlined for his administration.

Mamdani also struck a unifying tone during his speech, emphasizing inclusivity after a deeply contested election cycle.

“I promise you this: if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor. Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you,” he said.