New York Congressman George Santos, who has been facing controversy over recent revelations about his personal and campaign finances, has stepped down from his committee assignments. According to sources familiar with the closed-door GOP meeting, Santos informed conference members that he would be stepping down to avoid further unwanted attention and because he has become “a distraction.” The move follows a recent Newsday-Siena College poll, which found that over 78% of registered voters in his district want him to resign.
Despite growing calls from fellow Republicans for Santos to resign, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy stood by the freshman lawmaker until he made the decision to step aside from his committees. Santos issued a statement saying that the “business of the 118thCongress must continue without media fanfare,” and that he remains committed to serving his constituents.