Gillen ousts D'Esposito in major pickup for House Democrats

Laura Gillen has defeated Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) to score a key pickup for Democrats still hoping to retake the House, Decision Desk HQ projects.

New York has been seen as key to Democrats’ hopes of taking back the House majority, which remains up for grabs days after the election, though Republicans are considered in better position to come out on top. D'Esposito is one of a number of first-term Republicans representing districts President Biden won in 2020, and the state as a whole is solidly blue.

Democrats were particularly optimistic about New York’s 4th Congressional District because it is the most Democratic-leaning district in the country currently represented by a Republican. It voted for Biden in 2020 by more than 14 points, though D'Esposito was able to win his race two years ago by about 3.5 points.

Democrats funneled big names and money into the effort to oust him.

Polling had suggested the race could be close, with one recent independent poll showing D’Esposito ahead of Gillen by 1 point, within the margin of error. Another showed Gillen with a large lead. But Gillen had the advantage with money, outraising and outspending D’Esposito.

D’Esposito’s campaign was also hit with scandal late in the race, when The New York Times released a report that he hired his fiancee's daughter and a woman he was having an affair with to his office soon after starting his term. D’Esposito denied the report and insisted he has not behaved unethically while in office, also saying he didn’t think the report would impact the race.

Gillen is a former Hempstead town supervisor who was the nominee for the seat two years ago, falling short to D’Esposito. But Gillen pulled off the win in a rematch, helping keep Democratic hopes alive of preventing a GOP trifecta.

Of D'Esposito's fellow Empire State GOP members concluding their first terms, Reps. Nick LaLota and Mike Lawler held on to their seats, but Reps. Brandon Williams and Marc Molinaro lost to Democratic challengers.