Matt Varvaro, the Republican candidate in the 16th Assembly District, received the backing of former Gov. George Pataki, his past employer, on Tuesday.
In an email sent to supporters, Pataki asked for political donations to Varvaro’s campaign.
“Matt is a hard-working, dedicated young man with a passion for public service,” Pataki said in the email. “He is exactly the kind of new, next-generation leader we need in Albany.”
Varvaro served as a research director for Pataki’s campaign for president in 2016.
He is set to face off against former North Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Urso, a Democrat, in the race for outgoing Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel’s seat.
Pataki asked for contributions to Varvaro’s campaign between $5 and $500.
“I am asking for your help because I believe in Matt — both as a person and as a leader,” he said. “I know that he will make us proud as a member of the Assembly.”
Varvaro said he was honored to receive Pataki’s support.
“Governor Pataki was one of the great leaders of this state and, as I learned during my time working for him, an even better man,” he said. “By working across the aisle to deliver results for the people of this state, Governor Pataki set an example that I hope to follow in Albany.”
The Nassau Democratic Party chairman, Jay Jacobs, told Newsday “with Pataki for him or against him, D’Urso will win that Assembly seat.”
Former Governor backs Matt Varvaro for state Assembly race
By Joe Nikic
