Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Patrick McManus, Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party, who is currently serving his second term. As the Conservative leader in the Bronx, there are plenty of questions about the growing momentum surrounding the party.
Depending on your perspective, McManus is either a maverick shaking up the Bronx political landscape or a strategist meticulously planning for a significant political shift. During our conversation, we addressed key issues raised by New Yorkers across different boroughs, particularly focusing on what the Bronx Conservative Party has to offer.
1. Conservative Voter Demographics
Question: Will there be a concerted effort to appeal to conservative voters under 40?
Chairman McManus: Engaging with our older, long-time conservative members is important, but reaching out to those under 40 is equally crucial. Over the past year, we have focused on growing our numbers, bringing in new voters, leaders, and individuals with valuable skills. One of our major focuses has been on social media. In a recent meeting with our State Chairman, I highlighted the multiple social media experts we have gathered. At our biannual executive meeting, we appointed a new social media director to tie everything together. Now, we have an active website that pushes out new content across all platforms—and there is more to come by the end of the year.
2. Party Visibility
Question: What efforts are being made to increase the party’s visibility?
Chairman McManus: In the last year, we have launched a website, created new social media platforms, and kept them active to reach a broader audience. We have hosted monthly events across the county, awarded recognition to deserving community members, and partnered with organizations and businesses to expand our reach. With the help of our media representatives, we have gained more recognition in local media, both on television and in print. The biggest boost will be the reopening of the Bronx office in the Morris Park section, in partnership with Tina Forte and the Bronx Republicans. It will serve as a hub for all three groups.
Follow-up question: What does it mean for the party to have an official office again?
Chairman McManus: As we expand, finding locations to host us has been challenging. Having a headquarters gives us a dedicated space to hold events, allow candidates to host functions, and provide a starting point for those seeking us out. The Party and I thank Tina Forte for her hospitality.
3. The Future of the Bronx
Question: What changes are on the horizon for the Bronx?
Chairman McManus: The Bronx is on the cusp of significant changes. To be blunt, the Bronx Democratic Party has been taken over by progressive socialists. They have decimated much of the middle class over the past decade. Current elected officials, with their far-left agendas and policies like the “City of Yes,” are on track to eliminate what remains of the middle class in less than 10 years. My goal as Chairman is to bring common-sense individuals into office to stop this madness. We have reached a turning point, especially with Trump’s momentum and his visit to the Bronx. The success of Kristy Marmorato in her City Council race is one example of the progress we have made. This shift in the Democratic Party has awakened many Bronx residents politically. This presents the Conservative Party with a tremendous opportunity for growth, and it is evident in our recent successes.
Follow-up question: What is your relationship with Kristy Marmorato?
Chairman McManus: We have a good relationship with Kristy. However, unfortunately it seems none of our current elected officials in the Bronx see any value in having a relationship with the Conservative Party. I sincerely hope this changes in the near future. Traditionally, the Conservative Party has been overlooked in the Bronx, but given our recent growth, this might be a decision they come to regret.
4. Addressing Complex Societal Issues
Question: How should issues like mental health, poverty, immigration, and crime be addressed?
Chairman McManus: These are multifaceted challenges that require direct solutions, but our party currently has limited influence since we do not hold legislative offices. We rely on our State Party to represent our voice in the legislative chambers. I am in regular contact with our State Chairman, Gerard Kassar, and these issues are constantly discussed. On the ground level, our district leaders include advocates, nonprofit executives, journalists, and social influencers who bring these concerns into the party. During election years, like this one, we put these individuals on the ballot, hoping to overcome the lack of legislative power. We are not there yet, but we are getting closer.
5. Future Election Goals
Question: With the party’s endorsement helping the Bronx Republicans gain one City Council seat last year, what are your goals for this year?
Chairman McManus: This year, we are focused on direct outreach and providing more resources than in previous years. We are on track to match or exceed last year’s growth. We have filled vacant party positions and placed 18 Conservative members on the ballot. Over the past two election cycles, we have made significant strides in the South Bronx, and now we are expanding to the North Bronx. Recently, we have held voter registrations and community events in the North Bronx, and we plan to double our efforts across the borough.
6. Housing Challenges
Question: How do you plan to address the housing issues facing the average Bronxite?
Chairman McManus: I have said it many times: people need to elect new legislators. Current officials, controlled by developers, do not have our best interests at heart—it is all about money. The “City of Yes” will eliminate single-family homes in NYC, especially in the Bronx. What will be left for the next generation? This will drive them away, leaving behind transient residents instead of long-term Bronxites. That is why we are preparing for the 2025 elections, where we will have candidates running for City Council.
Follow-up question: You recently denounced the “City of Yes” proposal. Did it have any impact?
Chairman McManus: Yes, we received calls from the media, elected officials, and constituents—more than I expected. It shows that people are listening.
7. Crime and Inflation
Question: What do you believe should be done about the crime and inflation impacting the Bronx?
Chairman McManus: As a former cop, I know that a small percentage of individuals commit most of the crimes. Without consequences, they will continue and escalate. The revolving door created by bail reform—whether well-intentioned or not—has exacerbated the problem. The influx of illegal immigrants and migrants without proper stabilization has also contributed to a rise in crime, regardless of what city statistics say. I see it every day in my community and across the Bronx—from bus stops to business areas. We need to repeal those bail reforms or at least make significant amendments. The easiest solution is to vote these incumbents out.
8. Balancing Freedom and Safety
Question: In your view, what is more important: freedom or safety?
Chairman McManus: You cannot have one without the other. You have to give up some freedom for safety, and vice versa. I know this question comes up often, and I have encountered it many times over the years. People have different views on this, and I respect that. My approach is to work with their answer and mentor them if I can.
9. Improving Education
Question: What is your plan to improve educational outcomes in the Bronx?
Chairman McManus: Recently, we had the opportunity to address this problem. One of our members asked the Chancellor of the Board of Education a question, another addressed the Speaker of the Assembly, and we held a debate forum on school choice. As a party leader, I have done everything I can to bring this issue to the forefront and address it legislatively. Personally, I want to see transparency in spending. I want to know exactly where the money is going and share that information publicly. I think it would surprise us all. Throwing money at the problem is not the solution.
10. Engaging Diverse Communities
Question: How do you plan to engage with the diverse communities within the Bronx?
Chairman McManus: The Bronx is one of the most diverse areas in the country, and our party reflects that. Our executive board includes individuals from many different nationalities, backgrounds, and tax brackets. This diversity is one of our strengths, and it is something we have worked hard to cultivate. We are committed to ensuring that all communities within the Bronx are heard and represented. We address the unique needs of different cultural, and ethnic groups through targeted outreach and by including representatives from these communities in our leadership.
Follow-up question: I noticed a recent Facebook post that mentioned the diversity of your executive board. Was that intentional?
Chairman McManus: I have welcomed everyone into the Conservative Party who shares our principles, and this is the result. I am happy with the outcome and have no plans to change the way we do business.
11. Strengthening Government Relationships
Question: How do you propose to strengthen the relationship between local government and Bronx residents?
Chairman McManus: We are working on this from multiple angles. It is not easy for other parties to see our numbers grow and the impact we are making, but we are moving forward regardless. We have always extended our hand, and we will continue to do so. However, we rely on the people to support us and show elected officials that we are not alone.
12. Voting for the Opposition
Question: Is there a chance that you would ever consider voting for Vice President Harris
Chairman McManus: There is a running joke we have internally—#ConservativesForHarris. But no, I would never vote for socialism. I believe the way they have handled the Democratic nomination process has been a disservice to the American people and, quite frankly, a threat to our democratic system. They have taken away the ability of the people to choose their candidate. It is a problem that many people cannot or will not see, and that is their choice. It has helped us in some ways, but I hate that it is even a thing, you know what I mean? The two-party system we have fallen into is destroying our country. We need to bring the people’s voice back into politics. As Abraham Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address, “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
.
