Anthony D'Esposito

Anthony D'Esposito is an American politician and former law enforcement officer who served as a U.S. Representative for New York's 4th congressional district from 2023 until 2025. A member of the Republican Party, D'Esposito's election to the House of Representatives was marked by a significant upset in the 2022 midterm elections, contributing to the narrow Republican majority in Congress. Following his congressional tenure, he was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor.

Early life and career

Anthony D'Esposito was born on February 22, 1982. He has a diverse heritage, being of both Italian and Puerto Rican descent, and he identifies as Catholic. D'Esposito's professional journey began in law enforcement when he joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 2006. Over the years, he served in various capacities, including as a police officer in the 73rd Precinct in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and later as a detective assigned to the 73rd Precinct Detective Squad and the Military and Extended Leave Desk. His law enforcement career spanned 14 years, concluding with his retirement in 2020.

During his time with the NYPD, D'Esposito faced several controversies. In 2007, he received a misconduct complaint related to his outside employment as a bartender and disc jockey, which led to disciplinary action. He was found to have acted inappropriately by working second jobs without authorization and was penalized by losing vacation days. In 2011, another complaint was lodged against him, alleging that he had taken a gold chain from an individual during an arrest. This case was also partially substantiated, leading to further scrutiny of his conduct. Additionally, in 2015, D'Esposito was found guilty of failing to safeguard his issued firearm, resulting in further disciplinary measures.

After his law enforcement career, D'Esposito transitioned into politics. He was appointed to the Hempstead Town Council in 2016, where he served until 2023. His initial appointment was followed by a successful campaign for a full term in 2017. During his tenure on the council, he focused on local issues and governance, laying the groundwork for his future political aspirations.

House tenure

D'Esposito's entry into the U.S. House of Representatives began with the 2022 midterm elections. After winning the Republican primary unopposed, he faced Democratic candidate Laura Gillen in the general election. D'Esposito's campaign emphasized public safety and the cost of living, themes that resonated with voters in his district. He won the election with a narrow margin, securing approximately 51.8% of the vote. His victory was seen as a notable upset, and some analysts attributed his success to the influence of gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin's campaign.

Once in office, D'Esposito made headlines by becoming the first sitting Republican representative to call for the resignation of fellow Representative George Santos amid allegations of falsehoods in Santos' biography. D'Esposito's office also provided assistance to constituents from Santos' district who were unable to connect with Santos' office. In March 2023, he introduced the No Fortune for Fraud Act, legislation aimed at preventing members of Congress from profiting from their celebrity status if they are indicted for financial or fraud-related crimes. Although Santos was not explicitly named in the bill, D'Esposito acknowledged that Santos' situation inspired the legislation.

D'Esposito supported Kevin McCarthy during the election for Speaker of the House in 2023. He continued to engage with issues of integrity within the House by introducing a resolution to expel Santos from Congress in October 2023. Furthermore, he was one of six Republicans who signed a bipartisan letter pledging to respect the results of the upcoming 2024 presidential election, reflecting a commitment to electoral integrity.

In the 2024 election cycle, D'Esposito sought re-election but faced Laura Gillen again in a rematch. Ultimately, he was defeated in this election, concluding his term in the House of Representatives on January 3, 2025.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House, D'Esposito served on several committees that aligned with his interests and expertise. He was a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, where he participated in the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, as well as serving as Chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology. His work on these committees allowed him to address issues related to national security and emergency preparedness.

Additionally, D'Esposito was part of the Committee on House Administration, where he contributed to the Subcommittee on Elections and the Subcommittee on Oversight. His involvement in these committees indicated a focus on electoral processes and the management of congressional operations. He also served on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which is responsible for legislation related to transportation systems and infrastructure development.

D'Esposito was active in various caucuses during his congressional tenure, including the Climate Solutions Caucus, which focuses on addressing climate change through bipartisan efforts. He was also a member of the Republican Governance Group and the Republican Main Street Partnership, both of which aim to promote moderate Republican policies. Additionally, he participated in the Congressional Hispanic Conference, reflecting his commitment to issues affecting Hispanic and Latino communities.

After leaving Congress, D'Esposito was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor on March 31, 2025. His nomination was part of a larger group of nominees confirmed by the Senate in December 2025. He was sworn in on January 6, 2026, and his office subsequently opened an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the Secretary of Labor and others.

D'Esposito's career reflects a blend of law enforcement experience and political engagement, marked by a focus on public safety, electoral integrity, and governance. His transition from local government to the national stage illustrates the pathways through which individuals can influence policy and represent their constituents at various levels of government.