Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan, the Republican candidate in a special election for a Staten Island and Brooklyn congressional seat, has raised more than $600,000 for the race—far more than his Democratic competitor.
Mr. Donovan, the favorite in the race, took in $614,975 during the relatively short election cycle, according to a filing with the Federal Election Commission. He has $461,781 on hand going into the May 5 contest that is less than two weeks away.
“We’re proud to have received such an outpouring of support from so many people who want to see Dan as their next congressman. All of these generous contributions—both large and small—have allowed us to connect with voters about how Dan will work to cut taxes, create good-paying jobs and improve transportation options for the residents of the 11th congressional district,” campaign spokeswoman Jessica Proud said.
Democratic Councilman Vincent Gentile, his challenger, has raised nearly $200,000—perhaps unsurprising, considering Mr. Donovan is the favorite and Mr. Gentile has received no boosts from the national Democratic party.
Mr. Donovan, meanwhile, enjoyed some support from national Republicans. He received $5,000 from the National Republican Congressional Committee, and donations from several GOP elected officials including two $4,000 donations from Friends of John Boehner, the House Speaker; two $4,000 donations from Pete King for Congress, and $2,000 from Pete Sessions for Congress, among others.
He also benefited from cash from a slew of PACs—including listed contributions of $5,000 from Eye of the Tiger PAC; $20,000 from the National Association of Realtors PAC; $10,000 from the American Bankers Association PAC; $10,000 from the Majority Committee PAC; $5,000 from Prosperity Action, Inc. PAC; $2,000 from Republican Main Street Partnership PAC; $5,000 from JPMorgan Chase & Co. PAC, as well as donations from many other union groups and banking industry groups.
Ms. Proud did not respond to request for comment about the PAC contributions.
Mr. Donovan also received individual contributions from some bold-faced names, including former Mayor Michael Bloomberg who maxed out at $2,700. He also raked in cash from others in Mr. Bloomberg’s orbit, including $2,000 from former Bloomberg press secretary Stu Loeser, and $500 from former Bloomberg advisor Shea Fink. Former Congresswoman Susan Molinari kicked in $1,000, and former Congressman Vito Fossella $400.
John Catsimatidis, the oil and grocery store magnate, and his wife Margo each twice donated the maximum $2,700, according to the finance records, as did husband and wife Richard and Lois Nicotra, owners of the Hilton Garden Inn hotel on Staten Island.
The individual donor limit to a campaign committee is $2,700 per candidate, per election. Mr. Donovan has technically been registered as a candidate in three races this cycle.
Mr. Donovan also took in $1,500 from real estate bigwig William Rudin, $2,700 from hedge fund manager Paul Singer, and $2,700 from former mayoral candidate Joe Lhota. Randy Mastro, the former deputy mayor and high-profile lawyer, donated $1,000. Mr. Donovan also received a $280 donation from Mets owner Fred Wilpon, $260 from COO Jeffrey Wilpon, and $260 from Richard Wilpon.
