South Shore Press Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw sat down with former Congressman George Santos to discuss the 2026 midterm elections, New York politics and the fight for control of Congress.
Stefan Mychajliw: George, a lot of people are predicting a Republican bloodbath in the midterms, while others say redistricting changes everything. What are your thoughts?
George Santos: It's hard to predict because we've never seen so many mid-decade redistrictings. But I think New York is going to look a lot like 2022. Republicans are better positioned than people think because of what I call the "Mamdani effect." I'm hearing buyer's remorse from voters across New York City, and I think Republicans could actually gain seats.
Stefan Mychajliw: You specifically mentioned Long Island. Why?
George Santos: Donald Trump won my old district, and I think Republicans have another opportunity there. Whoever wins the Republican primary has a legitimate chance to defeat Congressman Tom Suozzi. I think voters are looking for change.
Stefan Mychajliw: If Republicans don't hold the House, won't Democrats spend the next two years investigating President Trump instead of governing?
George Santos: I believe that's exactly what would happen. There would be impeachment proceedings, investigations into cabinet members, renewed efforts targeting President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and even Supreme Court justices. Washington would grind to a halt instead of focusing on the issues Americans care about.
Stefan Mychajliw: So what's your message to voters?
George Santos: Vote in your own self-interest, not emotionally. President Trump would still have veto power, so we'd end up with more political theater instead of results for the American people.
Stefan Mychajliw: The New York Post reported the state is setting aside funding to provide healthcare for sex workers in New York City and Buffalo. But not Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, etc.
George Santos: I think it's an inversion of priorities. Hard-working taxpayers are already struggling with healthcare costs. I don't think Albany should be asking them to pay for programs like this when working families are facing so many financial challenges.