Conservative Party endorses Donovan for Congress

State and city leaders both back Donovan

February 16, 2018 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan. Eagle photo by John Alexander

Share this:

U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan received a major endorsement yesterday in his reelection bid for U.S. Congress. The Conservative Party has thrown its support behind the incumbent Republican.

Donovan, the former Staten Island district attorney, won the congressional seat in a special election in May 2015. He was re-elected in 2016. He represents the 11th Congressional District, which covers the entire borough of Staten Island and takes in all or parts of several neighborhoods in Southwest Brooklyn, including Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Gravesend.

“Whether it be as deputy borough president of Richmond County, or district attorney of Staten Island, or congressman, Dan Donovan has earned the trust of the citizens of his congressional district in Brooklyn and Staten Island,” New York State Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long told the Brooklyn Eagle. “He receives my enthusiastic support for re-election to the Congress of the United States. I look forward to continue working with him on key issues that our country faces on a day-to-day basis.”

Donovan is facing a primary challenge on June 26 from former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, whose seat Donovan won in a special election in 2015, following Grimm’s resignation from congress after pleading guilty to a federal tax fraud charge for which he served eight months in prison.

Brooklyn Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar told the Eagle, “The Brooklyn Conservative Party was pleased to endorse Congressman Dan Donovan for re-election. Articulate, hardworking and dedicated, he brings to the job countless years of public service on important issues such as public safety, immigration and the economy. Dan Donovan stands solidly with us. We’re proud that he’s carrying our banner.”

Michael DeCillis, Michael DeVito Jr., Zach Emig, Radhakrishna Mohan, Max Rose, Paul Sperling and Omar Vaid are the Democrats looking to challenge Donovan in a district that has traditionally voted Republican.

The congressional seat has been held by a Republican since the early 1980s, except for a two-year span in 2008-2010, when former City Councilmember Michael McMahon was elected. Two years later, McMahon lost the seat to Grimm, who was swept into office in a GOP wave inspired by the Tea Party.

“I’m proud to be recognized as the Conservative’s choice in this election,” Donovan told the Eagle. “It’s enormously gratifying the men and women of the Conservative Party recognize my commitment to strengthening America both here at home and abroad. Their support will be invaluable to my campaign, and I look forward to having them by my side as we continue the fight in Washington.”