Rep. Anthony D’Esposito of New York is under scrutiny for hiring his fiancée’s daughter and an alleged romantic partner for part-time positions in his district office, paying them nearly $30,000 in taxpayer funds in 2023. This has raised questions about House ethics rules regarding the employment of close family members. D’Esposito, a Republican, denies any wrongdoing and has not been formally accused by the House Ethics Committee.
The timing of the controversy is crucial as he is in a tight reelection battle in New York’s 4th Congressional District, a swing district that both parties are targeting in their fight for control of the House. He narrowly defeated Democrat Laura Gillen in 2022.
While the congressman insists that everything was done ethically, the controversy comes in the wake of his previous criticism of former Rep. George Santos, a fellow New York Republican who was expelled from the House for fabricating parts of his background and pleading guilty to fraud charges.
Despite the controversy, House Speaker Mike Johnson has come to D’Esposito’s defense, citing the report as a partisan hit piece in the midst of a closely contested election cycle. D’Esposito remains committed to his reelection campaign and is confident of winning.
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