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Rose ousts Donovan in election-night upset

max rose covid-19
Congressman Max Rose deployed to the National Guard on April 1 to help fight COVID-19.
Courtesy of the Office of Congrssman Max Rose

Everything’s coming up Rose.

Democratic challenger Max Rose deposed incumbent Republican Rep. Dan Donovan — the lone GOP House member from New York City — in a staggering upset, winning 95,458 votes to Donovan’s 84,337, and going on to represent the mostly suburban 11th Congressional District, which includes Bay Ridge, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay, and all of Staten Island.

The political newcomer, a former health-care executive, bested his opponent after fighting an uphill battle in a traditionally conservative district that voted for President Trump in 2016 and has been red since 2013.

Rose won the Southern Brooklyn portion of his district by a larger margin than Donovan, netting 29,050 votes in the area, 9,702 more than his opponent.

And on The Rock, the Congressman-elect also edged ahead of the incumbent, earning 66,408 votes, 1,419 more than Donovan.

Rose pledged to put country above party politics following his victory, promising to get straight to work for his new constituents.

“The story of this country has always been that no matter our differences, no matter the challenges in our way, we do what others say is impossible,” he said on Twitter. “It has never been about what party you are — we put country first. Now, it’s time to get to work.”

The Army vet rode to victory over the Trump-endorsed incumbent by highlighting his military background of fighting in Afghanistan, and focusing on the hot-button issues he will advocate for in Washington, D.C., such as universal health care, curbing gun violence, and defending and expanding women’s rights.

In campaign videos, the Dem blasted his GOP rival as a “sellout” to corporate interests, and blamed him for doing little to solve the area’s opioid epidemic, and to shore up the district’s beleaguered infrastructure.

Donovan, a former Staten Island district attorney, won the seat back in 2015, clinching a special election triggered by the resignation of his predecessor — a convicted felon who pleaded guilty to tax evasion, and unsuccessfully attempted to unseat the sitting pol in September’s primary.

The incumbent conceded the race to Rose a little over an hour after polls closed at 9 pm, congratulating his opponent for fighting a tough campaign, and thanking constituents for allowing him to serve them in public office.

“I congratulated him on a hard-fought victory, but it has been an amazing ride for our family,” Donovan said. “The last 22 years, my entire adult life I’ve served this community. And it’s been an honor and a privilege, something I will never forget. And I will never forget you for giving me that opportunity.”

Reach reporter Kevin Duggan at (718) 260–2511 or by e-mail at kduggan@cnglocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @kduggan16.