Anthony D'Esposito

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Anthony D'Esposito
BornAnthony P. D'Esposito
22 2, 1982
BirthplaceNew York, United States
NationalityAmerican
OccupationTemplate:Hlist
Known forRepresenting New York's 4th congressional district (2023–2025); Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor
EducationHofstra University (BA)

Anthony P. D'Esposito (Template:IPAc-en; born February 22, 1982) is an American politician, retired New York City Police Department (NYPD) detective, and government official who currently serves as the Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor. A member of the Republican Party, D'Esposito represented New York's 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from January 2023 to January 2025. His victory in the 2022 midterm election was considered a significant upset in a district that had been held by Democrats, and it contributed to the narrow Republican majority in the 118th United States Congress.[1] Before entering Congress, D'Esposito served as a member of the Town of Hempstead Town Council from the 4th district beginning in 2016. He served as an NYPD detective from 2006 to 2020. In the 2024 election, D'Esposito lost his re-election bid to Democrat Laura Gillen. On March 31, 2025, President Donald Trump nominated D'Esposito to serve as Inspector General for the Department of Labor, and he was confirmed by the Senate in December 2025, assuming office on January 5, 2026.[2]

Early Life

Anthony P. D'Esposito was born on February 22, 1982, and grew up on Long Island, New York. He is of Italian and Puerto Rican descent, a background that has been noted in discussions of Latino political representation in the United States.[3] His Puerto Rican heritage was highlighted during the 2022 midterm elections as part of broader coverage of Puerto Rican candidates running for office across the country.[4]

D'Esposito grew up in the communities of Nassau County, New York, an area characterized by suburban neighborhoods on Long Island's South Shore. The region's political landscape—historically a stronghold of Republican politics in New York State, though increasingly competitive in the 21st century—shaped D'Esposito's entry into public life. His family background in the area and his later career in law enforcement established deep roots in the community that would prove significant in his eventual political career.

Education

D'Esposito attended Hofstra University, a private university located in Hempstead, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[5] Hofstra, situated in Nassau County, is one of the largest private universities on Long Island. D'Esposito's education at the university preceded his career in law enforcement with the NYPD.

Career

Law Enforcement

D'Esposito served as a detective with the New York City Police Department from 2006 to 2020, a period spanning fourteen years.[6] During his tenure with the NYPD, he attained the rank of detective. His career in law enforcement formed a central part of his public identity and political campaigns, as he frequently cited his experience as a police officer in discussions of public safety policy. Records from the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), the independent agency responsible for investigating complaints about NYPD officers, include entries related to D'Esposito's service.[7] D'Esposito retired from the NYPD in 2020, transitioning fully to his political career on the Hempstead Town Council, where he had already been serving since 2016.

Hempstead Town Council

D'Esposito began his career in elected office as a member of the Town of Hempstead Town Council, representing the 4th district. He was appointed to the seat on February 10, 2016, succeeding Anthony Santino.[8] The Town of Hempstead, one of the largest townships in the United States by population, encompasses a significant portion of Nassau County's South Shore communities. D'Esposito served on the Town Council for nearly seven years, from 2016 until he took office in Congress on January 3, 2023. His successor on the Town Council was Laura Ryder.

During his tenure on the Hempstead Town Council, D'Esposito dealt with local governance issues including land use, public safety, and municipal services. His dual role as both a town councilmember and an active NYPD detective (until his retirement in 2020) gave him a distinctive profile among local officials. His service on the Town Council established the local political base and name recognition that would be instrumental in his subsequent congressional campaign.

United States House of Representatives

2022 Election

D'Esposito ran for Congress in the 2022 midterm elections, seeking to represent New York's 4th congressional district, which covers a large portion of Nassau County's South Shore, including communities such as Valley Stream, Oceanside, Long Beach, and parts of Hempstead. The seat was open due to the retirement of Democratic incumbent Kathleen Rice.[9]

D'Esposito's victory was considered a significant upset, as the district had been represented by a Democrat and was viewed as competitive territory. His win was part of a broader sweep by Republican candidates on Long Island in the 2022 cycle, which saw the party gain multiple House seats in the New York City suburban area. Nassau County Republicans declared victories in both the 3rd and 4th congressional districts on election night.[10][11] These Republican victories on Long Island were crucial to the party securing a narrow majority in the House of Representatives for the 118th United States Congress.

Congressional Tenure (2023–2025)

D'Esposito was sworn into office on January 3, 2023, as part of the 118th Congress.[12] As a freshman member of the Republican majority, he served on congressional committees and participated in caucuses relevant to his district and background.[13]

One of the most prominent episodes of D'Esposito's congressional tenure involved his response to the scandal surrounding fellow New York Republican George Santos, who represented the neighboring 3rd congressional district. D'Esposito became the first sitting House Republican to publicly call on Santos to resign from Congress, following revelations that Santos had fabricated significant portions of his biography and résumé.[14] This stance drew national media attention and distinguished D'Esposito as willing to break with party leadership on the issue at a time when many Republicans were reluctant to demand Santos's departure.

Following the Santos controversy, D'Esposito and other New York representatives introduced legislation inspired by the Santos affair aimed at preventing similar instances of candidate fraud. The proposed bill sought to establish penalties for candidates who misrepresent their qualifications and background to voters.[15]

In the absence of Santos fulfilling his full duties amid the scandal, media coverage noted that D'Esposito and other Long Island Republican freshmen took on a larger role in representing the interests of the broader Long Island region in Congress.[16]

D'Esposito was part of the Long Island Republican delegation that included Representatives Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota, and the group worked collectively on issues affecting the region, including during visits by House Republican leadership.[17]

D'Esposito's voting record and policy positions during the 118th Congress were tracked by various nonpartisan organizations.[18] His appearances and floor speeches were also recorded by C-SPAN.[19]

2024 Election

D'Esposito sought re-election in the 2024 cycle but lost to Democrat Laura Gillen, a former supervisor of the Town of Hempstead. The race was closely watched as one of the most competitive House contests in the country. D'Esposito's defeat was part of a broader shift in several of the Long Island districts that Republicans had won in 2022.[20]

Before the election, reports surfaced regarding D'Esposito's involvement with the Nassau County Board of Elections, adding to the competitive dynamics of the race.[21]

Inspector General of the Department of Labor

Nomination and Confirmation

On March 31, 2025, President Donald Trump nominated D'Esposito to serve as Inspector General for the United States Department of Labor.[22] The nomination placed D'Esposito in line to serve as the independent internal watchdog for the Department of Labor, a role responsible for overseeing the department's programs and operations, conducting audits, and investigating allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse.

D'Esposito's nomination drew scrutiny from some Democratic members of Congress and government ethics organizations. The Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) submitted a statement for the record opposing D'Esposito's nomination, arguing that the Senate should reject the appointment.[23]

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) raised additional concerns during the confirmation process. In October 2025, Blumenthal alleged that Federal Election Commission (FEC) records showed that D'Esposito had misled Congress about campaign contributions during his confirmation hearings, and called on D'Esposito to withdraw from the nomination process.[24]

Despite opposition from Democrats, the Senate confirmed D'Esposito's nomination in December 2025. The confirmation vote occurred along largely partisan lines, with Democrats objecting to the appointment.[25] D'Esposito succeeded Larry D. Turner as Inspector General and assumed office on January 5, 2026.[26]

Tenure as Inspector General

Shortly after assuming the role, D'Esposito faced additional scrutiny. In February 2026, Senator Blumenthal called for an investigation into D'Esposito for potential violations of the Hatch Act, which restricts political activity by certain federal employees.[27] The call for investigation came amid reports that D'Esposito was considering a potential rematch against Representative Laura Gillen for the 4th congressional district seat.[28] Reports indicated that Nassau County Republican leaders were awaiting D'Esposito's decision on whether to pursue a congressional bid, with the party's nominating convention approaching.[29]

The prospect of D'Esposito running for Congress while serving as Inspector General raised questions about the compatibility of the two roles, particularly given the Inspector General's mandate for independence and nonpartisanship, and the Hatch Act's restrictions on political activity by federal officials in certain positions.

Personal Life

D'Esposito is a resident of Long Island, New York, where he has deep community ties through his years of service in local government and law enforcement. His Italian and Puerto Rican heritage has been a noted aspect of his public identity, particularly in the context of discussions about Latino political representation.[30][31] D'Esposito's career trajectory—from NYPD detective to local councilmember to congressman to federal inspector general—has been shaped by his connections to the Nassau County communities he has represented and served.

Recognition

D'Esposito's 2022 election victory drew significant national attention as one of several Republican pickups on Long Island that proved decisive in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.[32] His status as the first sitting House Republican to call for George Santos's resignation earned him coverage from national outlets and established him as a figure willing to take an independent stance within his party.[33]

His nomination and confirmation as Inspector General of the Department of Labor was covered extensively by labor policy organizations, news outlets, and government ethics groups, reflecting the significance of the appointment and the controversy surrounding it.[34][35]

References

  1. ↑ "New York New Members 2023".The Hill.https://thehill.com/new_members_2023/3740369-new-york-new-members-2023/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ "Anthony D'Esposito is DOL's new inspector general".Safety and Health Magazine.https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/27714-anthony-desposito-is-dols-new-inspector-general.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ "Commentary: The Brittle Nature of Latino Identity Politics Shows Cracks When Political Representation Falls Short, Disappoints".City & State New York.2022-05.https://www.cityandstateny.com/opinion/2022/05/commentary-brittle-nature-latino-identity-politics-shows-cracks-political-representation-falls-short-disappoints/367537/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "Puerto Ricans in the midterm elections: victories and losses".El Nuevo Día.https://www.elnuevodia.com/english/news/story/puerto-ricans-in-the-midterm-elections-victories-and-loses/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "D'Esposito, Anthony P.".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=D000632.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "D'Esposito, Anthony P.".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=D000632.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Anthony Desposito".ProPublica.https://projects.propublica.org/nypd-ccrb/officer/23891-anthony-desposito.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Anthony P. D'Esposito".Town of Hempstead.https://hempsteadny.gov/469/Anthony-P-DEsposito.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "New York New Members 2023".The Hill.https://thehill.com/new_members_2023/3740369-new-york-new-members-2023/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Nassau Republicans declare victories in 3rd, 4th congressional districts".News 12.https://bronx.news12.com/nassau-republicans-declare-victories-in-3rd-4th-congressional-districts.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "D'Esposito, Gillen Election Day coverage".ABC7 New York.https://abc7ny.com/desposito-gillen-election-day-new-york/12430996/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Representative Anthony D'Esposito".Congress.gov.https://www.congress.gov/member/anthony-d-esposito/D000632.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Committees and Caucuses".Office of Congressman Anthony D'Esposito.http://desposito.house.gov/about/committees-and-caucuses.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "First sitting House Republican calls on Santos to step down".The Hill.https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3809036-first-sitting-house-republican-calls-on-santos-to-step-down/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "NY Reps unveil bill inspired by George Santos to stop candidate fraud".ABC News.https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ny-reps-unveil-bill-inspired-george-santos-stop/story?id=97686120.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Who's picking up Santos' slack? Meet Rep. D'Esposito".WSHU.2023-02-01.https://www.wshu.org/long-island-news/2023-02-01/whos-picking-up-santos-slack-meet-rep-desposito.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "McCarthy, House members visit Long Island".Newsday.https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/mccarthy-house-garbarino-lalota-desposito-santos-v275f6bg.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Anthony D'Esposito".Vote Smart.https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/174091.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Anthony D'Esposito".C-SPAN.https://www.c-span.org/person/?9279008.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "D'Esposito, Gillen Election Day coverage".ABC7 New York.https://abc7ny.com/desposito-gillen-election-day-new-york/12430996/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Anthony D'Esposito and Nassau elections board".Newsday.https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/anthony-desposito-nassau-elections-board-g88765.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Anthony D'Esposito confirmed as DOL Inspector General".Economic Policy Institute.2025-12-19.https://www.epi.org/policywatch/nominating-anthony-desposito-as-dol-inspector-general/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "CREW submits statement for the record on D'Esposito's nomination".Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.2025-10-23.https://www.citizensforethics.org/legal-action/testimony/crew-submits-statement-for-the-record-on-despositos-nomination/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "FEC Records Show Trump Nominee for DOL Inspector General Misled Congress About Campaign Contributions".Office of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.2025-10-24.https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/fec-records-show-trump-nominee-for-dol-inspector-general-misled-congress-about-campaign-contributions.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Former Rep. Anthony D'Esposito confirmed to become top internal watchdog at U.S. Department of Labor".Newsday.2025-12-19.https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/anthony-desposito-vkvfyqxz.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Anthony D'Esposito is DOL's new inspector general".Safety and Health Magazine.https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/27714-anthony-desposito-is-dols-new-inspector-general.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "Blumenthal Calls for Investigation into Anthony D'Esposito for Potential Hatch Act".Office of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.2026-02.https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-calls-for-investigation-into-anthony-desposito-for-potential-hatch-act.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  28. ↑ "Exclusive: Anthony D'Esposito to take on Rep. Laura Gillen in Round 3 match, GOP sources say".New York Post.2026-01-08.https://nypost.com/2026/01/08/us-news/anthony-desposito-to-take-on-rep-laura-gillen-in-round-3-match-gop-sources-say/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  29. ↑ "Clock ticks for D'Esposito to decide congressional bid".Newsday.2026-02.https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/desposito-gillen-race-wscj3n3q.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  30. ↑ "Commentary: The Brittle Nature of Latino Identity Politics Shows Cracks When Political Representation Falls Short, Disappoints".City & State New York.2022-05.https://www.cityandstateny.com/opinion/2022/05/commentary-brittle-nature-latino-identity-politics-shows-cracks-political-representation-falls-short-disappoints/367537/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  31. ↑ "Puerto Ricans in the midterm elections: victories and losses".El Nuevo Día.https://www.elnuevodia.com/english/news/story/puerto-ricans-in-the-midterm-elections-victories-and-loses/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  32. ↑ "New York New Members 2023".The Hill.https://thehill.com/new_members_2023/3740369-new-york-new-members-2023/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  33. ↑ "First sitting House Republican calls on Santos to step down".The Hill.https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3809036-first-sitting-house-republican-calls-on-santos-to-step-down/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  34. ↑ "Anthony D'Esposito confirmed as DOL Inspector General".Economic Policy Institute.2025-12-19.https://www.epi.org/policywatch/nominating-anthony-desposito-as-dol-inspector-general/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  35. ↑ "Former Rep. Anthony D'Esposito confirmed to become top internal watchdog at U.S. Department of Labor".Newsday.2025-12-19.https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/anthony-desposito-vkvfyqxz.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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