George Santos’ campaign committee still holds a lingering debt exceeding $150,000 to more than half a dozen vendors, following the former New York congressman’s expulsion in December.
Recent campaign finance reports reveal that the disgraced Republican utilized campaign funds for over $1,300 on meals at the Capitol Hill Club just days after his removal from Congress.
Santos faced expulsion from Congress last month amid a series of scandals, including accusations of dishonesty about his life during campaigning, unauthorized charges on campaign donors’ credit cards, and fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits during the Covid-19 pandemic. He is currently facing more than 20 charges, maintaining a not guilty plea.
George Santos Departs Congress, Leaving His Campaign Committee in Financial Turmoil. (Credits: WTTW News)
The campaign’s financial challenges persist despite Santos no longer seeking election this year, with his former treasurer, Nancy Marks, having pleaded guilty to fraudulent reporting last fall.
The latest campaign report, filed on Wednesday, emphasizes the financial complications stemming from Santos’ campaign. Notably, it reveals a new debt of over $16,000 to WinRed, an online payment processing platform, in addition to the existing $155,000 owed to various entities, including former staffers, legal and fundraising firms, and an Italian restaurant in Queens.
The report maintains the listing of $715,000 owed to Santos by the campaign, although prosecutors allege that he never provided this money as a loan to his campaign.
Campaign expenses in the fourth quarter include almost $2,200 spent at the Capitol Hill Club, a private Republican social club near the Republican National Committee’s headquarters. Notably, more than $1,300 of this was spent on December 4, shortly after Santos’ expulsion. Other expenses primarily covered compliance consulting and payments to WinRed.
Although Santos’ campaign reported receiving slightly over $11,000 in the fourth quarter, contributions designated for the 2024 general election were refunded to donors. A portion of the contributions seemed to originate from recurring online donors.
The upcoming special election for Santos’ seat, spanning from northern Queens to the North Shore of Long Island, will feature former Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat, and Republican newcomer Mazi Pilip.
