Both GOP candidate Daniel Donovan and Democratic candidate Vincent Gentile shored up some key political party endorsements as they vie for the open 11th Congressional District seat in the May 5 special election.
Donovan, the Staten Island (Richmond County) District Attorney, received the backing of the Independence Party.
“Dan has proven time and again that he puts people before politics,” said Independence Party Chairman Frank MacKay. “His integrity and commitment to public service is unparalleled. With all of the important issues facing our city and nation right now, I know Dan is the right man for the job. We are proud to endorse him as the next congressman for the people of Staten Island and South Brooklyn.”
Donovan said he was honored to have the endorsement of the Independence Party in his campaign.
“The middle class is being ignored and we need a representative in Washington who will fight for tax relief, more good-paying jobs and better transportation options. Those are issues that affect everyone–regardless of political party–and I look forward to delivering results for the people of the 11th congressional district,” said Donovan.
Gentile, the Bay Ridge City Councilman, received the support of the Working Families Party, who referenced their opposition to no indictment in the Eric Garner case in their endorsement.
“Vincent Gentile’s been a fighter for working families on housing and health issues. He will bring extensive experience to this post from his time in the New York State Senate and as a member of the NYC Council,” said WFP New York State Director Bill Lipton. “By contrast his opponent, Daniel Donovan, has become a national symbol for inequality in the criminal justice system.”
“I am happy to receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party; together we have been on the front lines fighting for economic, educational and political equality for nearly two decades,” said Gentile. “From Bay Street to Bay Ridge, the people of New York’s 11th Congressional District are exactly the kind of hardworking New Yorkers that the Working Families Party fights to protect and I am proud to have them as a partner in this crucial campaign.”
The district is made up of Staten Island and parts of Southern Brooklyn.
