GOP contender Mike Sapraicone has $500,000 to unseat Rep. George Santos
Retired NYPD detective and private security guard Mike Sapraicone has $500,000 in his campaign coffers to unseat indicted Rep. George Santos in the 2024 New York GOP primary richest Congressional district.
Sapraicone, 67, has generated $580,000 in revenue – about half from donations from more than 200 individuals and the rest from his own assets – since he announced his candidacy for the 3rd Congressional District in July, his campaign report said .
He has more than $500,000 in cash to spend.
“I have had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of my neighbors in the district, from lifelong Republicans to those who have voted across the aisle in the past, and they all share legitimate concerns about the Democrats’ irresponsible, dangerous policies,” Sapraicone told The Post.
“My message on issues such as public safety, border security and fiscal responsibility resonates with New Yorkers as thousands have signed up for my email newsletter and more than 200 people have generously supported my campaign.”
In response to the large war chest, Santos replied: “Good for him” and remarked to the numerous candidates seeking to replace him: “The more, the better.”
The embattled lawmaker has admitted to repeatedly lying about his background and was indicted in May on a 13-count federal indictment, including multiple counts of federal felony fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds and making false statements.
According to the Federal Elections Commission, Santos’ campaign had $86,438.88 and $630,000 in loans as of July.
“I’m not collecting any money now. I’m too busy working for the American people. That’s next year,” Santos told The Post.
Given his legal troubles, some political insiders are wondering whether Santos will seek re-election and, if so, whether he can survive a closely contested primary. Although he admitted numerous lies about his private life, he denied the allegations made against him in the criminal proceedings.
The Nassau County Republican Party establishment has abandoned him, and Democrats are eager to retake the seat previously held by former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi.
The 3rd Congressional District includes much of Nassau County and parts of Queens near the Long Island border.
Democrats vying for the seat include former state Sen. Ana Kaplan, Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, St. John’s University professor William Murphy, activist Zak Malamed and former prosecutor Austin Chen, CEO of Gramercy Surgery Center and Major in the Army Reserves.
In addition to Sapraicone, at least one other Republican candidate has emerged – Kellen Curry, an Afghanistan war veteran and former JPMorgan vice president.
