Former New York Republican Rep. George Santos made headlines late last year after fellow lawmakers voted to expel him from Congress.

Yet in a bombshell move, Santos revealed late last week that he is once again running for a House seat. 

"I will never back down because of my love for this country"

According to Axios, Santos made the announcement on Thursday evening after visiting Capitol Hill to watch President Joe Biden deliver his State of the Union address.

"I just witnessed a weak, frail president deliver spin and lies to the American people from inside the chambers," Santos wrote in a post on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.

Tonight, I came to the SOTU with an open mind and heart because I believe in the great idea that is the United States of America.

I just witnessed a weak, frail president deliver spin and lies to the American people from inside the chambers. I have made several personal…

— George Santos (@MrSantosNY) March 8, 2024

"I have made several personal sacrifices in the name of serving the American people. My promise is that I will never back down because of my love for this country," he continued.

Santos was kicked after criminal charges, damning ethics report

In his statement, Santos took aim at New York Republican Rep. Nick LaLota, who was among the GOP members who voted for his removal.

"New York hasn’t had a real conservative represent them since I left office arbitrarily, thanks to RINO, empty suits like [Rep. Nick LaLota]," Santos complained.

"He is a willing to risk the future of our majority and the future of this country for his own political gain," the former congressman alleged.

Axios noted that Santos' expulsion came after a House Ethics Committee report found that he "sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit."

The report went on to assert that Santos had "sustained all of this through a constant series of lies to his constituents, donors, and staff about his background and experience."

Republicans divided over decision to ditch Santos

Meanwhile, Santos is facing a 23-count federal indictment which includes charges of wire fraud, making false statements to the FEC, and aggravated identity theft.

Axios noted that a special election held following Santos' ouster resulted in his seat being taken by Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi.

That led to criticism from some Republicans over the choice to remove Santos, with Texas Republican Rep. Troy Nehls complaining, "Santos was a solid vote for the conservative voice and we kicked him out."