Santos told the meeting that he would resign because “it’s a distraction,” according to a Republican lawmaker who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meeting. The conversation came one day after Santos met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-Tex.) said he understood the withdrawal was temporary until Santos was cleared of the ongoing investigations. The 34-year-old Republican freshman has faced increased scrutiny, including a federal investigation into his campaign finances and a local investigation into the fabrication of his resume, since his misrepresentations of his experience, personal life and education were revealed.
“It surprised me, but it was probably the right decision,” Williams said.
“Regardless of the fact that the ethics investigation is over, I think it’s the right decision,” said Rep. Michael Lawler (RN.Y.), who also called for Santos’ resignation.
Santos declined to comment after the meeting, saying, “I think you would have to talk to management if you want details regarding the committees.”
The announcement came the same day polls in his district showed a large majority of voters believed he should step down. More than three-quarters of registered voters in New York’s 3rd Congressional District said he should leave the job, a Newsday-Siena College poll found.
Santos has given no indication that he intends to voluntarily relinquish his seat.
Republicans in his Long Island-based district and several House GOP members have called on Santos to resign. But McCarthy, who has a razor-thin Republican majority, rejected those calls.
John Wagner contributed to this report.
