On June 15, 2024, at the New York State Conservative Party Headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, two members of the Bronx County Conservative Party were honored for their efforts in registering hundreds of new conservative voters last year in a traditionally Democratic stronghold. Gonzalo Duran and Dion Powell received certificates of recognition for their hard work in signing up individuals who were either new to voting, had no party affiliation, or chose to update their party registration to the Conservative Party.
Although both men reported registering over 100 new voters each, their recognition came for officially reaching the milestone of 50 registrations. Gerard Kassar, Chairman of the New York State Conservative Party, noted that this award was introduced in response to the outstanding efforts by Duran and Powell. Kassar recounted a conversation with Bronx County Chairman Patrick McManus, who informed him that Powell had secured nearly 40 registrations and that Duran had effectively recruited potential candidates for all the vacant seats in future election cycles in Bronx County. “We had to show these two some recognition,” Kassar stated.
When asked what motivated them, both Duran and Powell shared their personal reasons. Duran, who currently serves as Vice Chairman for Bronx County and District Leader for the 79th Assembly District, emphasized his goal of increasing party membership and seeing these new members actively participate in county party activities. “I see new district leaders, easier petition signatures, and future candidates for our party. If we’re lucky, a few motivated individuals with skillsets can help advance the party’s goals,” Duran explained. He also mentioned that he had already gathered another 50 signatures by the time of the ceremony and aimed to reach 100 by year’s end.
Powell, who is the District Leader for the 78th Assembly District, focused his efforts on areas such as the Throggs Neck housing complex and highlighted the importance of representing underrepresented voices. “The people in these areas want their voices heard, and I was there to help them update their voter registration and align with the Conservative Party,” Powell said. Although he couldn’t attend the award ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, Powell received his certificate at a Bronx County Conservative Party Candidate Mixer event a few days later.
In a surprising turn of events, a third Conservative Party member, Jason Murillo from Manhattan County, joined Duran in canvassing the Lower East Side housing complexes. Together, they collected over 30 voter registration cards in a single afternoon, earning Murillo recognition as well. Murillo expressed his commitment to growing the party and his aspirations for his upcoming City Council campaign in District 2. “This will give me a leg up. I appreciate Gonzalo helping me canvass and distribute flyers for my protest to save Mount Sinai Hospital,” Murillo said.
During the award ceremony, McManus praised the dedication of Murillo, Duran, and Powell, stating that their hard work had significantly strengthened the party. Kassar added that while others across the state would receive similar recognition, the achievements of these three individuals in the South Bronx and Manhattan were particularly noteworthy. The event concluded with Murillo and Duran sharing their strategies, laughter and applause from the audience.
All three honorees received certificates of recognition, Conservative Party lapel pins, complimentary dinners at the state’s spring event, and mentions in the Conservative Party Monthly Newsletter.
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