"Expelled GOP Member George Santos Announces Independent Bid for Congress Return"

Former U.S. Rep. George Santos of New York, expelled from Congress and facing federal fraud charges, announced his decision to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent in a bid to return to Congress. Santos criticized the GOP's recent actions and is challenging Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in the GOP primary. He has pleaded not guilty to charges and a trial is tentatively scheduled for September. New York Republicans have criticized Santos, with one stating that his resignation from the party is good for commonsense conservatives.