New York Gov. Hochul says she’s prepared to fill the vacancy left by the expulsion of Santos

Governor Kathy Hochul speaks during media availability after roundtable on hate and bias crimes with law enforcement at Governor's office on November 13, in New York. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty Images

New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday she is prepared to fill the vacancy left in the wake of the expulsion of George Santos from the House, in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. 

“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 posted.

New York State law stipulates that the governor make a proclamation of a special election within 10 days, with an election occurring “not less than seventy nor more than eighty days” following the proclamation.

Speaking to CNN affiliate NY1, Hochul said, “I’m glad he’s gone.”

“When you look at his lack of ethics and the fact that, you know, he has not served the people of our state, particularly New York 3 where he resides, it's been an abysmal run for him,” Hochul said Friday.

“And he has not done what he has to do for New Yorkers,” she added. “And I'm glad he's gone because I need people I can work with to fight for New York, to bring federal money to our state, to create jobs and opportunities.”

“And George Santos just took up space,” the governor said.