CNN
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Former New York Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the Home and is dealing with federal costs, mentioned he’s withdrawing his bid for Congress in New York’s 1st District.

“I’ve determined to withdraw from my unbiased run for #NY1…I don’t need my run to be portrayed as reprisal towards Nick Lalota… Though Nick and I don’t have the identical voting document and I stay vital of his abysmal document, I don’t wish to cut up the ticket and be liable for handing the home to Dems,” Santos mentioned in a put up on X.

Santos beforehand introduced he was leaving the Republican Get together and would run his congressional comeback bid as an unbiased.

“I’ve meet with leaders and with constituents and I’ve made the choice to hold it up right here and cease perusing this race, THIS YEAR! The longer term holds numerous prospects and I’m prepared prepared and capable of step as much as the plate and go combat for my nation at anytime,” Santos mentioned.

Santos has pleaded not responsible to 23 federal costs, together with allegations of fraud associated to Covid-19 unemployment advantages, misusing marketing campaign funds and mendacity about his private funds on Home disclosure stories.

“I’ll proceed to take part within the public coverage dialogue and can do my half… I’ll at all times try to face on the suitable facet of historical past. It’s solely goodbye for now, I’ll be again,” Santos mentioned.