This year’s Bronx Columbus Day Parade was filled with tradition: families cheered on vibrant floats, waved flags, and supported local organizations along the route. But the real surprise was the significant turnout from the Bronx’s Republican and Conservative communities, who made their presence felt around the parade.
The route passed the newly established joint headquarters of the Bronx Conservative and Republican Parties, which also serves as the campaign base for 14th Congressional District candidate Tina Forte, located in the 15th Congressional District. This added a notable layer of excitement for attendees, with both parties showing a united front.
Strategically placed at the parade’s front, middle, and end, candidates from both parties brought energy to the event, with well-organized groups proudly representing their organizations. The turnout of Trump supporters, in particular, exceeded expectations—far more than the Bronx Conservative Party or local Republicans had anticipated.
Bronx Conservative Party Chairman Patrick McManus expressed his surprise at the enthusiasm. “We couldn’t give away our candidates’ signs and Trump gear fast enough,” he noted. “We brought plenty of ‘Trump or Bust’ red hats, and they were gone within an hour.” The crowd of Trump supporters was so large that it rivaled, if not outnumbered, the presence of Democratic officials and their supporters—a striking change for the Bronx.
As the parade neared its end, participants approached the grand marshal, VIPs, and elected officials—primarily Democrats, with City Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato as the Bronx’s only Republican representative. A brief but notable moment arose when Tina Forte attempted to display her campaign banners near this group. Although she was on public ground, police initially moved to intervene. After a quick exchange, the situation was resolved, allowing the parade to proceed without further disruption.
Overall, the increased conservative presence and display of patriotic pride unfolded smoothly, with supporters from all sides celebrating peacefully. This unexpected conservative turnout at the Bronx Columbus Day Parade highlights a shift in local politics, showing that voices from both sides are shaping the Bronx’s evolving political landscape.
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