Rep. Anthony D’Esposito Faces Scrutiny Over Hiring Practices Amid Reelection Bid

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican from New York, is under fire after reports emerged that he hired both his lover and his fiancée’s daughter for part-time positions in his district office on Long Island. This situation may constitute a violation of House ethics rules, which prohibit members from employing close family members.

According to a report by The New York Times, D’Esposito hired the two women shortly after assuming office in 2023, utilizing nearly $30,000 in taxpayer funds for their salaries. The House of Representatives’ code of conduct explicitly forbids such employment, raising concerns about the legality of D’Esposito’s actions.

This controversy could significantly impact D’Esposito’s chances for reelection as he faces a rematch against Democrat Laura Gillen, whom he narrowly defeated in the previous election by less than 10,000 votes. The South Shore district is viewed as a critical battleground for both parties in their quest for control of the House.

In response to the allegations, D’Esposito issued a statement to CNN asserting that his personal life has not interfered with his ability to serve New York’s 4th District. He labeled the report as a “slimy, partisan ‘hit piece’” and did not deny the specifics outlined in the article. When approached for further comments, he deflected questions, claiming the report was politically motivated. Both women confirmed the details of the report to The New York Times.

D’Esposito, a former New York Police Department detective, has a history of assisting his fiancée and her son in obtaining municipal jobs during his time on the Hempstead town council in 2017. Gillen, who previously served as the supervisor of Hempstead, was elected in November of that year.

The congressman was elected alongside George Santos, a disgraced former representative who has been implicated in numerous scandals, including identity theft and wire fraud. D’Esposito has been a vocal critic of Santos, calling for his resignation and offering constituent services to Santos’s district.

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended D’Esposito during a press conference, referring to the report as a “partisan hit piece” that is not surprising given the competitive nature of the election cycle. He acknowledged D’Esposito’s advocacy for his district and expressed confidence in his support from constituents.

Meanwhile, other New York Republicans have remained largely silent regarding the allegations. GOP Rep. Marc Molinaro confirmed that he had spoken with D’Esposito but refrained from commenting further. Rep. Nick LaLota also declined to provide details, citing other commitments.

As D’Esposito navigates this controversy, he recently welcomed former President Donald Trump to his district for a rally aimed at rallying Long Island Republicans ahead of the upcoming election. With New York Republicans looking to maintain their gains from the 2022 election, the scrutiny surrounding D’Esposito could have lasting implications for both his campaign and the party’s overall strategy in the region.