George Santos decries corruption as he warns about successor, Internet says 'guess who's fault that is'

WASHINGTON, DC: In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), former Representative George Santos (R-NY) ignited controversy by asserting that his successor in New York's 3rd Congressional District would either be a Democrat or a "Democrat in republican skin."

George Santos's insight into his successor

“America which ever way it goes you will get a Democrat or a Democrat in republican skin coming to Congress from NY-03,” Santos posted on X.

Santos, recently ousted from Congress in a historic vote, made headlines as the sixth lawmaker ever to be removed from the House. The embattled Republican, who has found a new platform in popular Cameo videos post-Congress, took to social media to update his supporters and New Yorkers on the potential candidates vying for his seat.

"I put up a joking, very sarcastic endorsement the other day, and I think some of you took it seriously," Santos stated in a video attached to his post. He then went on to highlight his concerns about Mike Sapraicone, his declared opponent and a retired NYPD detective, claiming, "Mike Sapraicone is a prolific Democrat donor who donated almost $40,000 to Tom Suozzi’s gubernatorial primary campaign in 2022." 

Santos continued his critique of Sapraicone, emphasizing his absence in supporting Republican campaigns during Santos's congressional run: "Just last year, while I was running for Congress, he was nowhere to be found donating to Republicans' significant funds, but he was donating $40,000 to Tom Suozzi."

The former congressman also pointed out another candidate, Mazi Pilip, a county legislator, describing him as "elected as a Republican, however a registered Democrat since 2012."

Santos expressed his overarching concern, stating, "So, in general, the Nassau GOP is going to nominate either a Democrat or a Democrat donor to replace me. Let that sink in," urging his followers to voice their dissatisfaction to Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman Joe Cairo.

Social media reacts to George Santos's take

However, the ousted Republican was criticized on social media for his comments.

"Welp.... Guess whose fault that is... YOURS!!" one posted on X.

"Gurl, you got fired. Just go away," another wrote.

"When does your kickstarter campaign begin for your onlyfans and Botox addiction?" a comment read.

"Next time don’t lie on your education and work credentials," someone else added.

"You're [sic] 15 minutes of fame are almost over. There's no Botox in the slammer," another chimed in.

Meanwhile, there were also those who cheered him on.

"Just go full whistleblower and expose all of D.C.," one insisted.

"Spill That Tea," another wrote.

"I speak for everyone when I say that we support you, sir," someone else reacted.

"Can you run again, no more skeletons in the closet. I think you did a great job and believe you could win again!" a comment read.

"Man I dont know much about you or what you did to get kicked out but keep doing what you're doing and expose the corruption," another commented.

Days after Santos’ expulsion, New York Gov Kathy Hochul (D) announced the special election to fill Santos’s seat will be held February 13. She issued a proclamation Tuesday setting the date for the race to determine who will represent the district for the remainder of the term, leaving the GOP conference in a tight spot with its already slim majority.

Santos’s former district voted for President Joe Biden in the 2020 election by about 8 points, signaling that the special election could be a pickup opportunity for Democrats. If the special election were to go to a Democrat, it would further tighten Republicans’ majority in the House.