New York congressman-elect admits lying about college and work history

George Santos, the New York Republican congressman-elect at the center of a storm over his apparently fabricated résumé, has admitted he lied about his job experience and college education during his successful US House campaign.

Santos first ran for Congress in 2020. In November this year he was elected to represent parts of northern Long Island and north-east Queens.

His exaggerations were first identified by the New York Times, which questioned claims including that he had worked at two prominent Wall Street banks; had obtained degrees in finance and economics from two New York colleges; that he was Jewish; and that four employees of his company were killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, in June 2016.

Democrats including the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, have suggested Santos is unfit to sit in Congress. Some have called for him to resign his seat before taking it.

Joaquin Castro, from Texas, said allowing Santos to enter office would set a dangerous precedent.

The Times also uncovered Brazilian court records showing Santos was once charged with fraud for using a stolen checkbook.

Santos said he experienced financial difficulties that left him owing landlords and creditors.

The Daily Beast has reported that Santos, who has identified as gay, was divorced from a woman in September 2019.