Anthony D’Esposito, the former Long Island representative recently confirmed as inspector general of the Labor Department under President Trump, appears likely to pursue his old House seat again, according to reports.
Sources from both New York and Washington indicate that D’Esposito is nearing an agreement to become the Republican candidate for the 4th Congressional District, which encompasses the southern and eastern parts of Nassau County.
A Republican insider mentioned that “Mr. D’Esposito is seen as the strongest candidate for this nomination.”
He’s expected to face Laura Guillen, a first-term Democratic representative, in what’s shaping up as a crucial rematch. In their previous contest in 2022, D’Esposito edged out Guillen with a slim 52% to 48% victory.
Guillen, having distanced herself somewhat from New York City’s Democratic Socialist Mayor, managed to win a close rematch in 2024, securing 51% of the vote and flipping the district from red to blue. The Cook Political Report now lists this seat as a “toss-up.”
Nassau County Republican Party Chairman Joseph Cairo expressed strong support for D’Esposito. “As we evaluate Republican candidates for New York’s 4th Congressional District in 2026, we hold former Congressman D’Esposito in high regard,” he stated.
Cairo highlighted D’Esposito’s commitment to issues like affordability, public safety, and reducing taxes. “With his experience as a former NYPD officer, he’s focused on keeping families safe and consistently fought against excessive taxation and government overreach,” he added.
He also mentioned D’Esposito’s work in addressing waste and fraud within the Labor Department, saying, “We appreciate his achievements and ongoing contributions to Long Island and the nation.”
Other Republican figures in the race have already identified D’Esposito as a prime candidate, believing he has a solid chance to reclaim the seat.
Furthermore, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is the leading candidate for the Republican gubernatorial nomination against incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, could provide a boost for D’Esposito, according to Republican insiders.
Republican officials have pointed out that Guillen has voted against certain budget proposals, which could serve as a critique in the upcoming election, particularly one related to federal tax deductions that affect Long Island homeowners.
However, it’s worth noting that D’Esposito has some controversy in his past. A significant report from 2024 alleged he offered his purported mistress, Devin Firth, a job at the district office that paid $2,000 a month, which had a negative impact during his previous campaign.
While he acknowledged the affair, D’Esposito asserted that he hadn’t broken any House ethics rules in hiring her. This scandal surfaced again during the Senate confirmation hearings, yet it did not prevent his nomination from proceeding.
D’Esposito refrained from providing any comment on the new campaign.
If he decides to run for Congress, he will likely have to resign from his federal position due to the Hatch Act, which restricts political activity by public officials in most circumstances.
The communities within the district include Atlantic Beach, Baldwin, Bellmore, East Meadow, Elmont, Freeport, Garden City, Hempstead, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Merrick, Mineola, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, Seaford, Uniondale, Valley Stream, Wantagh, and West Hempstead.
Additionally, it was reported that Mark Molinaro, who formerly served as President Trump’s Secretary of the Federal Transit Administration and was also a congressman, is considering a run for the forthcoming vacant U.S. House seat of Rep. Elise Stefanik in upstate New York.
The ex-Dutchess County executive represented New York’s 19th Congressional District until he was defeated by Democratic Congressman Josh Riley in 2024.
