Democratic U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan has received the backing of the New York City Deputy Sheriffs’ Association as he squares off against a retired NYPD officer in his bid for re-election, Spectrum News 1 has learned. 

Ryan, a Democrat and Army vet serving his first full term in Congress, is facing an electoral challenge from Republican Alison Esposito, who served in the NYPD for a quarter century and mounted an unsuccessful bid for New York lieutenant governor in 2022.

In a statement, NYC Deputy Sheriffs’ Association President Ingrid Simonovic said, “A lot of people just pay lip service to standing with law enforcement, but not Congressman Ryan. He is in the trenches every day, fighting right alongside us, and the historic funding he’s delivered for law enforcement departments across the Hudson Valley proves that. He’s been there for us, and we’ll be there to support him every step of the way.” 

Ryan’s team touts funding he has helped secure for law enforcement in his district, as well as votes he’s taken in the U.S. House of Representatives to crack down on fentanyl and disapprove of certain criminal justice reforms by local D.C. government.

Esposito, Ryan’s opponent who rose through the NYPD’s ranks to become a deputy inspector and commanding officer, has made public safety a central tenet of her campaign. She has been highly critical of New York’s bail reforms.

She has received the endorsement of various law enforcement organizations, including the Sergeants Benevolent Association and the NYPD Captains Endowment Association.

Esposito’s record as a police officer has recently come under scrutiny. Earlier this month, City & State NY reported that New York City paid a combined $120,000 to settle two misconduct lawsuits against her. Politico reported that Esposito was reprimanded by her NYPD superiors after her off-duty firearm, police identification, and shield were stolen from her unlocked vehicle in 2016.

A spokesperson for Esposito’s campaign denied the misconduct allegations in the lawsuits. As for the stolen items, Esposito’s team said the candidate had, “like many New Yorkers,” fallen “victim to crime.”

New York’s 18th Congressional District, which includes parts of Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster counties, is one of several competitive seats across New York. Republicans are eying it as a potential pickup opportunity as they look to maintain their House majority.