Central New York members of Congress split on historic expulsion of Rep. George Santos

Washington – Central New York’s two members of Congress cast opposing votes Friday on a historic measure to expel Rep. George Santos of Long Island from the House of Representatives.

The House voted 311-114, exceeding the needed two-thirds margin needed to expel Santos, a first-term Republican indicted for duping donors, stealing from his campaign and lying to Congress. He becomes only the sixth member in history to be kicked out by his colleagues.

Rep. Brandon Williams, a Republican who represents the Syracuse area, was among 105 Republicans who joined a near-unanimous group of Democrats who voted for Santos to be expelled.

Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-Canandaigua, who represents parts of Central New York, stood out as one of only two New York House members besides Santos who voted against expulsion.

The other “no” vote in New York came from Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, the Republican conference chair.

Tenney had no immediate comment to explain her vote.

Stefanik said in a statement that the House acted prematurely against Santos.

“No member of Congress has ever been expelled without a conviction; this is a dangerous precedent, and I am voting no based upon my concerns regarding due process,” Stefanik said.

All told, more Republicans (112) voted against expelling Santos, than those who voted to oust him (105). Those who voted against expulsion included House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

Williams was among New York Republicans who had called for Santos to resign long before Friday’s vote.

“The expulsion of George Santos was long overdue,” Williams said in statement after the vote. “As I’ve called for his exit from Congress since January, the time has finally come. Goodbye George.”