New York Governor Hochul Causes Confusion With Claim About ‘Filling’ George Santos’ Seat

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is sparking confusion online as some users on X believe a comment she made on social media indicated that she intends to fill the seat of expelled Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., herself, and not hold a special election to fill the vacancy.

When Hochul posted her reaction to Santos’ expulsion on X at 11:14 a.m., she did not refer to an election, which led some users to infer that the governor would try to select Santos’ replacement.

“I am prepared to undertake the solemn responsibility of filling the vacancy in New York’s 3rd District. The people of Long Island deserve nothing less,” Hochul wrote on X, with no mention of a special election.

The post was still live at the time of publication – more than three and a half hours later – and has nearly 800,000 views.

Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul’s office for clarification of the post, and a spokesperson wrote at 1 p.m. that she intends to hold a special election.

“I am prepared to undertake the solemn responsibility of filling the vacancy in New York’s 3rd District by scheduling a special election. The people of Long Island and Queens deserve nothing less,” the statement on the site reads.

The statement was posted to the governor’s website at 12:45 p.m., about 75 minutes after her post on X.

However, the post is still driving debate on X.

“The voters will decide who the next congress person will be. You have to call a special election,” wrote one user.

“It clearly makes it sound like it’s her decision on filling it, it doesn’t mention a special election or issuing writs thereof at all,” wrote another in response to a user.

Other users pointed out that Hochul may have been referring to her selecting the Democratic nominee in the special election.

Unlike normal races, there is no primary election for the seat, and Democratic and GOP party leaders will choose their candidates.

Read the full story here.

Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.