George Pataki backs Matthew Varvaro in Nassau Assembly race
Former New York Gov. George Pataki, seen at a Republican presidential campaign in October 2015, is backing Republican Matthew Varvaro against Democrat Anthony D'Urso in the 16th Assembly District race in Nassau County. Credit: Getty Images / Justin Sullivan
Former New York State Gov. George Pataki is out with a fundraising pitch for Republican Assembly candidate Matthew Varvaro, the former research director of Pataki’s unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign.
“Matt worked on my campaign for president and I came to know him very well over that time,” Pataki said in an email to supporters Tuesday asking for contributions ranging from $5 to $500. “Matt is a hardworking, dedicated young man with a passion for public service. He is exactly the kind of new, next-generation leader we need in Albany.”
Varvaro, a first-time political candidate, will take on Democrat Anthony D’Urso, a former North Hempstead Town councilman, to succeed Assemb. Michelle Schimel (D-Port Washington), who is not running for re-election in the 16th Assembly District.
Nassau Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs said that “with Pataki for him or against him, D’Urso will win that Assembly seat.”
Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.
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