Staten Island Republican Rep. Dan Donovan racked up another key endorsement Wednesday — the Independence Party.
Donovan, the former SI district attorney, is facing a re-election fight from his right and left in a conservative-leaning Staten Island district that includes southern Brookyln.
He faces a GOP primary from his predecessor, former Rep. Michael Grimm, who vacated the seat in 2014 after pleading guilty to felony tax fraud and spending time in federal prison.
Should he prevail over Grimm, Donovan would likely face off against Democrat Max Rose, a decorated 9/11 combat war veteran. Rose has the backing of the Staten Island Democratic Party and is expected to prevail in a a crowded primary field.
The Independence Party nod follows backing for Donovan from the Conservative and Reform parties — giving him an enviable four ballot lines in the general election.
“The Richmond County Independence Party is proud to endorse Dan Donovan as a pragmatic voice in behalf of the people of Staten Island and South Brooklyn,” said Avi Gvili, Staten Island Independence Party Chairman.
“Whether it was his work to finally secure Zadroga benefits for our 9/11 families, his fight against the opioid epidemic or his significant FEMA reform to help Sandy victims, Dan has always found a way to rise above the Washington gridlock to deliver results. He is a strong and effective leader for our community.”