In New York’s 11th congressional district, District Attorney Dan Donovan (R-Staten Island) has been declared the winner.
Early results show Donovan winning the election with nearly 60 percent of the vote against his Democratic challenger Councilman Vincent Gentile (D-Brooklyn). Congressman-elect Donovan will be replacing disgraced former Rep. Michael Grimm, who was forced to resign after pleading guilty on multiple counts of tax evasion.
The district, located in New York City, encompasses all of Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn.
It’s a swing district having voted for John McCain in 2008 and President Obama in 2012. The district has been one of the most coveted seats of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, who have been trying to retake it since the 2010 defeat of former Rep. Michael McMahon. In 2014, the DCCC and the House Majority PAC spent more than $3.6 million only to be defeated by 13 points.
Gentile’s distant defeat makes it less likely that Democrats will heavily target the district in upcoming elections.
Congressman-elect Donovan has represented Staten Island as District Attorney since 2004.
His extreme popularity contributed heavily to his victory, despite his controversial involvement in the grand jury decision regarding the death of Eric Garner and protests by Rev. Al Sharpton.
Donovan ultimately carried Richmond County by more than 30 points.
In his victory speech Donovan said, “Tonight is not a victory for my campaign but a victory for America… the middle class voices were heard and a message was sent to President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and yes… Mayor Bill deBlasio.”
