Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito dodged questions about running for office, as he would be prohibited by federal law from engaging in partisan political activities while on duty.
At the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare’s Thursday hearing, Rep. Judy Chu reminded Mr. D’Esposito that the inspector general position is an independent, nonpartisan office, prohibited from running for political office under the Hatch Act.
The California Democrat cited a Newsday report that said he’s planning to run this year to win back his 4th Congressional District seat in New York.
Mr. D’Esposito is gearing up to announce plans to ramp up a campaign against Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen, whom he lost to in 2024, according to Newsday.
But first he would have to formally submit his resignation as inspector general after two months on the job. He was confirmed in December.
When asked directly if he plans to quit as inspector general and if he has been engaging in campaign activities while serving in that position, he reverted to the topic of the hearing: unemployment insurance fraud.
“Well, I hope that if you are indeed doing this, you do resign. There is a Hatch Act that prohibits you,” Ms. Chu said.
“I am well aware of the Hatch Act,” Mr. D’Esposito responded.
Newsday said Mr. D’Esposito did not return messages asking for comment, which he noted in the hearing.
When asked if he was campaigning for Congress, he said he is not.
Rep. Steven Horsford, Nevada Democrat, pointed out printed petitions displaying Mr. D’Esposito’s name as a candidate for the New York seat. The inspector general denied knowing about any such petitions.
Previously, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Democrat, called for an investigation into Mr. D’Esposito for potentially violating the Hatch Act.
The senator cited Federal Election Commission filings that show a D’Esposito campaign committee received donations in 2025 totaling $23,000.
WinRed, a GOP fundraising platform, has contributed over $10,000 to his campaign alone.
