Mike Sapraicone, a retired NYPD detective and private security honcho with deep ties to Nassau County, announced his bid on Monday to topple indicted serial lying Republican Rep. George Santos in New York’s Third Congressional District.
The 67-year-old Queens native said he wants to restore honor to the seat after Santos admitted to repeatedly lying about his background and was charged with a 13-count federal indictment including multiple-federal felony fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and false statement counts in May.
The freshman congressman has pleaded not guilty to all changes and insists he’s been the victim of a “witch hunt.”
“My campaign for Congress is about honest public service and hard work because my neighbors in Queens and Long Island deserve nothing less,” Sapraicone said.
“I’m running for Congress to return integrity and a respected voice to the office, and to focus on issues like public safety, border security, and fiscal responsibility to get our country back on the right track.”
Retired NYPD detective Mike Sapraicone has decided to run against embattled Rep. George Santos in the 2024 Republican primary.James Keivom
Sapraicone said he wants to return “integrity and a respected voice to the office” by ousting Santos.Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images
His wife, Eileen Daly-Sapraicone, is a state Supreme Court judge in Nassau County.
“He’s an embarrassment to the district, the state, the country and the world. He’s a laughingstock,” the first-time candidate said. Santos is a “stain” who deceived us,” he added.
In an indication that he has real GOP support in the community, former US Sen. Al D’Amato, a longtime power broker in Long Island Republican Party circles, endorsed Sapraicone.
Sapraicone called Santos a “stain” on the office and a “laughingtstock.”James Keivom
Sapraicone being recognized by then-NYPD Police Commissioner Howard Safir.
Sapraicone’s wife Eileen Daly-Sapraicone is a state Supreme Court judge in Nassau County. Mount Sinai South Nassau
“His dedication to service, public safety, and our men and women in blue is needed now more than ever on Capitol Hill. There is no doubt he is the right person with the integrity that is needed to serve in Congress.”
The New York City Detectives’ Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo also is an early backer.
Sapraicone emphasized that Nassau County GOP chairman Joe Cairo is non-committal at this time about backing for the 2024 race. He also vowed to reach out to Queens Republican leaders for support.
Santos is facing 13 federal charges after getting indicted in May.REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
Only one other Republican has emerged — Kellen Curry, an Afghanistan war veteran and former vice president at JPMorgan, announced in April that he will challenge Santos in New York’s 2024 primary election.
Democrats vying for the seat include former state Sen. Ana Kaplan, Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, St. John’s University professor William Murphy and activist Zak Malamed.
As seen in the NY Post.