Republican candidate George Santos, who is running for Congress, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to his campaign.
“Mr. Santos has received treatment and is currently in quarantine in a state of recovery from the worst symptoms of the virus,” the camipaign said.
Santos, a Queens resident and financial professional, is the Republican nominee for the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Manhasset, Roslyn, Port Washington, Great Neck, Douglaston and Floral Park, among other areas. It is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), the former mayor of Glen Cove and former Nassau County executive who was first elected to the seat in 2016. He won re-election in 2018 and is seeking another term this year.
“The first thing I want to say is that this is not a Republican or Democrat problem, this is an American problem. We have to take care of each other by heeding the warning to avoid further exposures,” Santos said in the statement. “Aside from my campaign team working with county party leadership in making final preparations to comply with Gov. Cuomo’s Executive Order and new deadline for filing of petition signatures, now is not the time for politics.”
The candidate touted President Trump, plus state and local officials, for their response efforts.
“What we are witnessing is what is best about America,” Santos said. “From the leadership of the administration, coordination with state and local governments, to the public/private partnerships, we are bringing to bear the full weight of the American government and harnessing American ingenuity to flatten the curve and limit further spread of COVID-19.”
Santos also urged the 3rd District “to take seriously the recommendations from the administration, CDC, and our state and local elected officials when they call for social distancing, paying hyper attention to good hygiene practices and using common sense.” He also singled out “teachers and school administrators” who are “working tirelessly” “through remote teaching,” and urged constituents to support “local community businesses” through take-out and delivery.
“My primary focus right now is continuing to recover from this virus and to do what I can to reinforce that this pandemic is going to be the difference in life and death for many of our most vulnerable citizens, but also that there is hope in surviving this virus. I’m living proof of that,” Santos said. “For my recovery and treatment, I credit the excellent healthcare I was provided. The hope for America to win this war against COVID-19 and save lives is because of our healthcare professionals, among which we have the best in all the world.”
