In a borough where partisan politics are fiercely contested and tensions between Democrats and Republicans continue to mount, a surprising development has sparked backlash within the Bronx conservative movement.
Gene DeFrancis, a prominent figure in the Bronx Republican Party, is reportedly organizing a fundraiser for Democratic Borough President Vanessa Gibson. The move has stunned many within GOP and Conservative ranks, particularly since a Republican-Conservative candidate is currently running to unseat Gibson.
Patrick McManus, Chairman of the Bronx Conservative Party, reached out directly to voice his concerns, calling the move a serious breach of party loyalty.
“It is a troubling development when a prominent member of the Bronx Republican Party is organizing a fundraiser for the sitting Borough President—a Democrat who has already caused considerable harm to the borough—especially when there is a Republican / Conservative candidate running for the same office,” said McManus. “This raises a critical question: Is Gene DeFrancis a Democrat plant within the Republican Party?”
The episode has amplified concerns about internal divisions within the Bronx GOP and the potential undermining of its own candidates—particularly as DeFrancis is not known to work as a political consultant.
Grace Marrero, District Leader for the 80th Assembly District and the endorsed Republican and Conservative candidate for Bronx Borough President, submitted the following statement:
“As the endorsed candidate by the Bronx GOP, I think it is extremely disrespectful and a stab in the back to the Republican Party! The fact that Mr. DeFrancis is supporting Ms. Gibson in her re-election bid speaks volumes about where his true loyalties lie! He is undermining his own party by supporting Ms. Gibson instead of supporting his party’s candidate. However, I am glad he finally showed his true colors for all to see. As the former best friend of Mr. DeFrancis, I saw what a phony leader and person he was. Now the entire community will see for themselves who he really is and, hopefully, will no longer put their trust in him. If he can turn on his party, then he will turn on anybody! Finally, if I was the head of the Bronx GOP, I would send him packing to the Democratic party because that is where he belongs!”
As of this writing, multiple attempts to contact Gene DeFrancis for comment have gone unanswered. The flyer for the upcoming fundraiser lacked contact information as well. Should DeFrancis provide a statement, this article will be updated accordingly.
From an editorial perspective, the timing of this move is particularly puzzling, as Bronx conservatives have recently begun to gain grassroots traction.
For now, the controversy hangs over the Bronx GOP like a political storm cloud. Is this simply a rogue decision by one party insider—or something bigger?
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
