George Santos: Can Members of Congress be recalled?

After reports surfaced that Congressman George Santos lied about his education, career, sexuality, religion, the circumstances of his mother’s death, and other fundamental aspects of his life, voters felt deceived. Those allegations have turned into a criminal indictment that includes twenty-three charges, to which the Congressman has pled not guilty to thirteen.

Santos, elected back in November to represent New York’s Third Congressional District, has faced calls for his resignation since the reports of his lies began to surface. However, he has ignored these calls, and with such a slim GOP majority in the House of Representatives, many leaders of his party have not joined the chorus. Congressman Santos does face an ethics investigation in the House, but so far, the Committee has not released any information on their work to the public. A statement released recently by the Committee that their “course of action will be announced on or before 17 November.”

However, the New York Congressman’s tenure may be coming to an end, with the House of Representatives expected to vote on his expulsion on Wednesday. The vote requires two-thirds of the chamber to vote in favor, and while the effort is being led by GOP members from New York, it remains unclear whether enough Republicans will back the measure. Four of Santos’ colleagues circulated a letter calling on other Republicans to support the vote to expel.

Could the voters recall Santos?

No. The US Constitution does not allow Members of Congress to be recalled by their constituents.

While Congressman Santos has stated that he intends to seek another term in Congress, that may be difficult without the support of the Nassau County Republicans. Earlier this year, the organization released a statement calling the leader to resign. Chairmen Joe Cairo described Santo’s campaign as one built on “deceit, lies, and fabrication” and warned that he was “not welcome here at Republican headquarters.”