Embattled U.S. Rep. George Santos (R-NY), who’s currently caught in the crosshairs of a federal indictment featuring 13 counts, asserted his innocence and vowed to fight the charges with a not guilty plea in a Long Island courthouse on Wednesday.
Despite being embroiled in the legal quagmire that could lead to a maximum of 20 years in prison, the Long Island Republican also announced his intention to stand for re-election.
"Yes I am," Santos replied to a reporter who asked if he was planning to run again.
The charges, which include wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making materially false statements to the House of Representatives, come after months of investigations into his financial conduct.
Related: Congressman George Santos Is In Custody, Faces 13-Count Federal Indictment
The allegations, involving fraudulent unemployment claims, misuse of campaign contributions, and deceptive financial disclosures, have sparked intense bipartisan calls for his resignation. Santos reportedly said he was not planning to resign.
Released from custody on a $500,000 bond, The New York Times said the congressman characterized the investigations as a “witch hunt” and pledged to continue the fight to affirm his innocence.
Despite the political uproar and the potential legal repercussions, Santos maintains the support of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who has previously voiced the opinion that members should resign only after being found guilty of a crime.
However, the persistence of Santos to remain in Congress and run for re-election is bound to stoke further controversy, potentially deepening the divide within an already fractured Congress.
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