Additional Coverage:
- GOP lawmaker allegedly hired both his fiancée’s daughter and a romantic partner, raising ethics questions (newsbreak.com)
Representative Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican from New York, is under scrutiny for hiring his fiancée’s daughter and an alleged romantic partner in his district office. The New York Times reported that he paid nearly $30,000 to these two women using taxpayer funds.
House ethics rules prohibit lawmakers from employing close family members, raising questions about D’Esposito’s conduct. He has not been formally accused of wrongdoing by the House Ethics Committee.
The timing of this controversy is critical as D’Esposito faces a tight reelection battle in New York’s 4th Congressional District. He narrowly defeated his opponent in 2022, making this district a target for both parties in the upcoming election.
D’Esposito has defended his actions, calling the Times report a "partisan hit piece." He claims that nothing he did was unethical. The women who were hired have confirmed their employment.
Despite the allegations, House Speaker Mike Johnson has defended D’Esposito, calling the report a "partisan hit piece."
D’Esposito has stated that he will continue his reelection campaign and expects to win.