Kevin McCarthy says George Santos 'shouldn't run for re-election'

• Kevin McCarthy said on Monday that Rep. George Santos "shouldn't run" for re-election.
• But he expressed confidence that Republicans would hold onto Santos' seat, which leans Democratic.
• McCarthy has previously said he would not back Santos' re-election campaign.

Asked on Fox News on Monday if he's supporting the re-election campaign of Rep. George Santos, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy let out a hearty laugh.

"No, I am not," said McCarthy. "He shouldn't run for re-election."

Pressed on whether he's been involved with recruiting another Republican candidate, McCarthy demurred, saying only that his party would "keep that seat with another Republican."

—Acyn (@Acyn) June 26, 2023

McCarthy has already said he does not support Santos's re-election campaign. But his declaration on Monday that Santos shouldn't run at all went one step further.

Santos, who faces a 13-count indictment in federal court in New York for a litany of criminal charges including fraud, money laundering, and theft of public funds, has nonetheless vowed to seek re-election.

McCarthy has said that he will not urge Santos to resign unless he is convicted, a standard he's mantained for other members of his conference who've faced criminal charges. But he has blocked Santos from serving on House committees, owing to long-standing questions about the congressman's ethics and his history of lying about his past.

Citing the campaign-related nature of McCarthy's comments, a spokeswoman for Santos declined to comment on the matter.