Lyin’ Rep. George Santos raised just $179,000 in the second fundraising quarter of 2023 — and spent a considerable portion of the funds to reimburse himself for earlier loans he made to the campaign.
The embattled Long Island Republican’s haul came from around 180 donors located around the country, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
In all, Santos earmarked $85,000 for himself.
The candidate previously reported loaning himself $700,000 to his 2022 congressional effort, filings show.
Many of Santos’ donors had Asian or Chinese surnames.
The congressman has been a vocal supporter of Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui — who was arrested as part of an alleged billion-dollar fraud scheme in March.
“I support him because he is not a talker,” one donor told The Daily Beast. “He did what he promised. He said he will propose a #FreeMilesGuo bill, he actually did it.”
Santos — who made headlines after he admitted to fabricating much of his personal and professional resume — is now also facing years in prison after being hit with federal charges of fraud and money laundering.
He has pleaded not guilty.
The congressman has faced bipartisan calls to resign but has vowed to stick it out and is actively planning a reelection campaign.
While House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Santos “shouldn’t run for re-election,” the California congressman has not called on the scandal-scarred lawmaker to outright resign.
McCarthy needs Santos to help maintain a thin Republican majority in the chamber.
Santos’ latest fundraising suggests he will struggle to compete in the Democratic-leaning Long Island seat. National Democrats have made taking back his district a top 2024 priority.