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'Doesn't work that way': Kathy Hochul forced to counter trolls after misleading tweet states she’s 'filling' George Santos’ seat

New York Governor Kathy Hochul clarifies tweet on 'filling' expelled Rep George Santos' seat and pledges special election

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has confused social media with a comment she made regarding the vacant seat of expelled Rep George Santos.

Some users on X (formerly Twitter) believe that her statement implies that she intends to personally fill the vacant seat rather than holding a special election to fill the position.

When Hochul posted her response to Santos' expulsion at 11:14 am, she did not mention anything about a special election, which led some users to speculate that the governor would attempt to select Santos' successor herself.

"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, without any mention of a special election.

What did Governor Hochul say about her post on X?

On Friday, December 1, Rep George Santos was expelled from Congress due to a House Ethics Committee investigation.

It was discovered that Santos had used his campaign funds for personal purposes and had committed fraudulent conduct.

As a result, his seat in New York’s 3rd District is now vacant, and per the Constitution (Article I, Section 2, Clause 4), the state's executive must hold a special election to fill the seat.

Kathy Hochul, the current governor of New York, has 10 days to schedule the election, which must take place 70 to 80 days later.

Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul's office for clarification and a spokesperson confirmed that she intends to hold the special election, as stated in a press release on the governor's website.

"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 her website reads.

The governor's statement was published on her website at 12:45 pm, which was approximately 75 minutes after she posted on X.

Despite this, her post on X is still generating discussions online.

It's important to note that unlike typical elections, there won't be a primary election for this particular seat.

The Democratic and Republican party leaders will be responsible for selecting their respective candidates to contest for the vacant spot.

Internet is still bamboozled by Governor Hochul’s post on X

People on X were quick to point out that the wording of Governor Hochul’s post on X was creating confusion, but several others jumped in on the opportunity to share a few quips and witty remarks while they were at it.

One X user said, “It doesn’t work that way”

A user wrote, “I’m well aware that you don’t know how a lot of stuff works, but you do realize you can either look it up or ask someone, right?!?! The Constitution requires that vacancies must be filled by special election.”

Another user tweeted, “This is what happens when clueless are elected to office you people take a oath to a constitution you don't even know”

"This is a democracy. We don’t have our leaders selected for us. I know that’s what the Democrats are use to. That’s why they had Hillary and Biden as their party leaders but you can’t just pick who runs a congressional district,” one user tweeted.

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

“I assume you mean calling for the special election to take place?” one user questioned.

One user explained the process and said, “Ummm.. yeaaaa… that’s not how this works. There needs to be a special election. How do you not know this?”

One user wrote, “Kathy, you don't have that authority according to your own state law.”