Representative Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican from New York, is under fire for reportedly hiring both his fiancée’s daughter and someone said to be his romantic partner for part-time jobs at his district office in Long Island.

According to The New York Times, he disbursed nearly $30,000 in taxpayers’ money to these two women in 2023, raising concerns about ethics rules in the House that prohibit lawmakers from hiring close relatives.

As of now, the House’s Ethics Committee has not formally accused D’Esposito of any wrongdoing.

This controversy emerges amid a crucial reelection campaign for D’Esposito, who narrowly won against Democrat Laura Gillen by less than 10,000 votes in the 2022 election. This year, the district is being targeted by both parties as they vie for control of the House.

D’Esposito defended his actions in an interview with CNN’s Manu Raju, asserting, “Nothing that was done was unethical,” and labeling The Times’ report as a “slimy, partisan hit piece.”

Both women, identified as his fiancée’s daughter and the individual The Times referred to as his romantic partner, confirmed their jobs in short interviews with the publication.

The congressman previously criticized fellow New York Republican George Santos, who was elected in the same cycle. Santos later admitted to lying about parts of his past and has pleaded guilty to fraudulent activities. D’Esposito publicly called for Santos’s resignation and pledged to support his constituents. Santos was expelled from the House last year.

Despite the backlash, D’Esposito stated this week that he will undoubtedly continue his reelection campaign and believes he will win.

Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow from Hawaii for the YSL News Network. You can  follow him on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow