Title: New York GOP Rep. George Santos Expelled from Congress; Special Election to Replace Him Underway
In a landmark decision, New York GOP Representative George Santos has been expelled from Congress following a House vote. The administrative process for handling an expulsion is similar to a vacancy, which means that the office shall be under the control of the House Clerk until further arrangements are made.
The next step in this process is for the House Clerk to inform Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, who will then schedule a special election to replace Santos. Governor Hochul has a window of ten days to set the wheels in motion and must ensure that the special election takes place within 70-80 days after the proclamation.
Interestingly, Governor Hochul could potentially decide to pair Santos’ special election with another vacancy resulting from Democratic Representative Brian Higgins’ forthcoming resignation. This strategic move would not only streamline the process but also ensure effective representation for constituents.
While the expulsion disallows Santos from serving in Congress, he retains certain privileges due to not being convicted of a felony. However, there is a possibility that House Rules may be modified to strip him of these privileges if he is expelled and continues to exercise them.
Santos, who currently faces a staggering 23 federal charges, has been accused of crimes including fraud related to Covid-19 unemployment benefits and misusing campaign funds. These charges bring serious legal implications that have ultimately led to his expulsion from Congress.
The expulsion of Santos is a significant development in New York politics, as it presents an opportunity for voters to choose a new representative who will shape legislation and act as their voice in Congress. As the special election draws near, political analysts and residents alike will be keenly watching as candidates come forward to compete for this coveted position.
Female Arts, a platform dedicated to highlighting women’s achievements, will continue to follow this story closely, providing updates on the special election, candidates, and the impact of this decision on the political landscape both in New York and beyond.
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