In a city long recognized as a progressive stronghold, one political event is shifting the narrative and amplifying voices too often left out of the conversation. The Viable Candidate Event 2025, now in its third year, returns to the Bronx on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.—not just as a gathering, but as a movement.
Hosted by Bronx Conservative Party Vice Chairman and NYC Public Advocate candidate Gonzalo Duran, the event offers a critical platform for Conservatives, Republicans, and Common Sense Democrats to share their platforms, connect with constituents, and build a future rooted in integrity, leadership, and service.
“I have hosted this event in the South Bronx for three years now,” said Duran. “Not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Our voices matter—and the people of New York deserve to hear them.”
A Growing Movement Spreads Across NYC
2025 marks a significant evolution in Duran’s mission, as he prepares to expand The Viable Candidate Event citywide. Since joining the Conservative Party in 2023, Duran has helped grow Bronx Conservative registration by over 15% annually, placed candidates on the ballot for nearly every legislative seat, and generated extensive media visibility across local and international platforms.
Speakers Who Embody Public Service
This year’s lineup features 10 to 15 dynamic speakers, each with a proven record of grassroots leadership:
- Jason Murillo, NYC Council candidate for District 2, secured both Republican and Conservative lines in Manhattan’s Lower East Side—an area known as one of the most liberal in the nation—without major endorsements, powered solely by perseverance and grassroots effort.
- James Washington-Ward, Bronx-based organizer and strategist, has supported dozens of local campaigns with services like free professional headshots, media coordination, and hands-on consulting to uplift underrepresented candidates citywide.
At the forefront of this event stands Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, whose continued support of community candidates exemplifies servant leadership. “There is no event too big or too small for Curtis,” Duran said. “He shows up, stands up, and speaks up—for all of us.”
More Than a Forum—A Political Turning Point
Held at 806 Jennings Street, Bronx, NY 10459, the venue can host over 100 guests—and Duran hopes to see it filled to capacity.
“That is when I will know we have turned the tide,” he added. “We are closer than ever to winning seats. But we must keep fighting. Because when we stop, the public loses faith—and New Yorkers are the ones who suffer.”
The Viable Candidate Event 2025 is not just a platform—it is a spark for a larger movement to reclaim visibility and integrity in New York’s political future.
Event Details
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m
Location: 806 Jennings Street, Bronx, NY 10459
Admission: free, please RSVP here.
To attend, RSVP, or get involved:
gonzalodurannyc@gmail.com | 516-515-0240 | gonzaloduran.nyc.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
