Clock Ticks for Former Rep. D'Esposito to Decide Congressional Bid

Nassau GOP chair says party needs to know soon if ex-congressman will run again.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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With the Nassau County Republican convention just a week away, party chairman Joe Cairo said former GOP Rep. Anthony D'Esposito needs to decide soon if he will run for the House seat he lost in 2024.

Why it matters

D'Esposito's potential candidacy is seen as crucial for the Nassau GOP as they look to regain the congressional seat they lost in the last election cycle. His decision will impact the party's strategy and candidate selection process.

The details

Cairo has been actively encouraging D'Esposito to run again, stating that the party needs to make a decision before the convention on February 24th. D'Esposito has not yet publicly declared whether he will mount another campaign for the House.

  • The Nassau County Republican convention is scheduled for February 24, 2026.

The players

Anthony D'Esposito

A former Republican congressman who lost his House seat in the 2024 election and is considering running again.

Joe Cairo

The chairman of the Nassau County Republican committee, who has been urging D'Esposito to run for the House seat again.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to make a decision before the 24th”

— Joe Cairo, Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman (Newsday)

What’s next

The Nassau County Republican convention on February 24th will be a key deadline for D'Esposito to announce his decision on whether to run for the House seat again.

The takeaway

D'Esposito's potential comeback bid is seen as crucial for the Nassau GOP as they look to regain the congressional seat they lost in the last election. His decision in the coming weeks will significantly impact the party's strategy and candidate selection process.