Jump to content

Gonzalo Duran

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gonzalo Duran
Duran in 2024
Born (1985-10-04) October 4, 1985 (age 40)
Bronx, New York, U.S.
EducationFordham University (BA)
OccupationsNonprofit executive, Politician
Known forFounder and CEO of Devil Dog USA; Vice Chairman of the Bronx Conservative Party
Political party
Conservative
Children2
AwardsNational Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal
Military career
Branch
United States Marine Corps
Service years
2003–2011
Rank
Sergeant
Websitegonzaloduran.nyc

Gonzalo Duran (born October 4, 1985) is an American Iraq War veteran, nonprofit executive, journalist, television host, and politician from the Bronx, New York.[1][2][3] He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Devil Dog USA Incorporated, a nonprofit organization focused on helping veterans reintegrate into their communities.[4] Duran is also the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Big Apple Gazette, a nonprofit journalism publication covering news and community issues across New York City.[5] He serves as Vice Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party and has run for public office in New York.[6]

Early life and education

[edit]

Duran was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School, where he participated in wrestling.[7] At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.[8] After completing his military service, he earned a bachelor's degree in health sciences from Fordham University.[9]

Military service

[edit]

Duran served eight years in the United States Marine Corps, including a deployment to Iraq in 2008.[10] He attained the rank of Sergeant before leaving active duty in 2011.[11]

Devil Dog USA

[edit]

In 2013, Duran founded Devil Dog USA, a nonprofit organization that provides support services and advocacy for military veterans transitioning to civilian life.[12][13]

Beginning in 2014, the organization engaged in advocacy related to housing access for student veterans, including issues surrounding the acceptance of G.I. Bill housing allowances as income by landlords.[14] The organization organized events and partnered with other veteran organizations to address housing challenges facing veterans.[15][16] Duran also used his family home as part of advocacy efforts related to student veteran housing.[17][18][19]

In 2017, the New York City Council passed legislation clarifying that G.I. Bill housing allowances qualify as lawful income under local law 119 and the New York City Human Rights Law.[20]

By 2023, Devil Dog USA had expanded operations to other states and opened an additional office for its tenth anniversary.[21][22][23]

In 2026, the organization expanded its advocacy related to G.I. Bill housing benefits, transitioning from prior local efforts in New York City to a national initiative through the publication of the Corporal Yegor Zubarev Veterans Bill.[24]

Corporal Yegor Zubarev Veterans Bill

[edit]

In 2026, through Devil Dog USA, Duran introduced the Corporal Yegor Zubarev Veterans Bill, a legislative initiative addressing housing protections, citizenship processes, and mental health access for veterans.[25]

The proposal is named after Yegor Zubarev, a colleague of Duran at Devil Dog USA and Fordham University. It includes measures to prevent housing discrimination against veterans using Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits, expedite naturalization for eligible non-citizen veterans, and reduce administrative barriers for veteran mental health services.[24][26]

Political activity

[edit]

Party leadership

[edit]

Duran identifies as a moderate.[27] He was initially registered as a Democrat and previously sought public office as a Democrat but did not obtain ballot access.[28] After joining the Conservative Party, he successfully gained ballot access and became one of the party’s most visible leaders.[29] He serves as Vice Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party and as a District Leader for New York’s 79th Assembly District.[30] Since 2023, Duran has participated in and organized political forums throughout the Bronx.[31][32][33] He has also worked to increase Conservative Party voter registration and candidate participation in legislative office.[34][35]

Campaigns

[edit]

2023

[edit]

In 2023, Duran ran for the New York City Council in District 17 as a Democrat, challenging the incumbent, Rafael Salamanca Jr.[36] His nominating petitions were challenged by the Bronx Democratic Party, resulting in his removal from the Democratic primary ballot. Following his removal, Duran accused the Bronx Democratic Party of political gatekeeping.[37]

Duran continued his candidacy on the Conservative Party line but was unsuccessful in the general election.[38]

2024

[edit]
Main article: 2024 United States House of Representatives elections in New York § District 15

In 2024, Duran was a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in New York’s 15th congressional district. He was defeated in the general election by the incumbent, Ritchie Torres.[39][40]

During the campaign, Duran faced allegations of conflicts of interest related to his journalism and media activities while campaigning and publicly supporting other candidates. Duran denied the allegations, stating that his media work did not present a conflict of interest with the city’s press office or any other organizations with which he was affiliated. He also argued that conservative and lesser known candidates receive disproportionately limited media coverage.[41]

2025

[edit]
Main article: 2025 New York City Public Advocate election

In late 2024, Duran announced his bid for Mayor of New York City in the 2025 election under the Conservative Party line. However, in 2025, he rescinded his candidacy and withdrew from the race.[42]

In 2025, Duran ran for the office of New York City Public Advocate. He was defeated in the general election by the incumbent, Jumaane Williams.[43][44]

A scheduled debate for the 2025 New York City Public Advocate race was canceled after Williams declined to participate, citing that Duran and another challenger had not qualified for New York City’s public matching funds.[45] In place of the debate, NY1 aired an extended interview segment and discussed the circumstances surrounding the cancellation.[46]

2026

[edit]
Main article: 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in New York § District 15

In 2026, Duran declared his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in New York’s 15th congressional district as a Conservative Party candidate for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.[27]

Political positions

[edit]

Duran’s campaigns included support for voter identification requirements, legal immigration, and efforts to unify conservative organizations in New York City.[47][48][49]

Civic engagement

[edit]

Duran has stated that every citizen has the right to vote and has encouraged broader participation in the political process, including running for public office. He has advocated for increased civic involvement among veterans, the general public, and conservatives, emphasizing the importance of representation and engagement in government.[28][50]

Lithium-ion batteries

[edit]

Duran has raised concerns about the safety of lithium-ion battery storage and usage, particularly in relation to fires involving mobility devices. He has cited incidents across New York City involving improperly stored or unregulated batteries and has supported enforcement of Fire Department of New York regulations, including testing and proper storage requirements.[51]

Immigration

[edit]

Duran has called for immigration to occur through legal channels. He has stated that irregular migration has placed strain on local communities while emphasizing that he does not oppose immigration itself. He has advocated for policies that balance enforcement with community stability.[30][48]

Bail reform and crime

[edit]

Duran has criticized New York’s bail reform policies, arguing that they contribute to repeat offenses. He has also expressed skepticism about official crime statistics, stating that some incidents may go unreported or unrecorded.[30][52]

Donald Trump policies

[edit]

Duran has expressed support for the policy framework of President Donald Trump while criticizing aspects of its implementation. He has stated that certain approaches have had mixed effects on Republican and Conservative support at the local level.[6][27][36]

City of Yes

[edit]

Duran has opposed the “City of Yes” initiative, arguing that it reduces community input and limits transparency in the development process, including concerns about public notice and environmental review procedures.[46][53]

Sanctuary city policy

[edit]

Duran has expressed opposition to New York City’s sanctuary city policies and has supported changes to those policies while advocating for expanded legal immigration pathways.[46][48]

Socialism

[edit]

Duran has expressed opposition to socialism and socialist policies in New York City. He has warned of what he described as a “rising tide of socialism” and argued that such policies could negatively impact the future of the Bronx and New York City.[49][54]

Public safety and policing

[edit]

Duran has supported increasing the number of police officers to address public safety concerns. He has also stated that the National Guard could be used temporarily in the event of worsening conditions, with the expectation that such measures would be removed once stability is restored.[30][46][53]

Voter ID

[edit]

Duran has stated that voter registration laws have improved access to voting, particularly in terms of accessibility and language barriers. However, he has argued that stronger voter identification requirements are necessary to verify voters and address the potential for fraud.[30][47]

Specialized high school admissions

[edit]

Duran has expressed support for maintaining the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), arguing that admissions should continue to be based on merit and academic performance. He has stated that educational opportunities should be based on fair competition and individual achievement.[55][56]

Youth programs and mentorship

[edit]

Duran has supported youth mentorship and internship initiatives focused on media, nonprofit work, and civic engagement. He has argued that structured programs and community involvement can help reduce juvenile crime and create opportunities for young people.[5][8][57]

Government transparency

[edit]

Duran has advocated for increased transparency in government and public institutions. He has stated that oversight and public accountability are necessary to maintain trust in city leadership and public agencies.[30]

Media presence

[edit]

Journalism

[edit]

Duran has written columns for The Bronx Chronicle, Careers in Government and other publications.[58][59] He later worked as a reporter for the Bronx Daily.[60]

Duran is the founder of the Big Apple Gazette, a nonprofit journalism organization, which he established in 2024. In early 2026, he became its Editor-in-Chief.[61]

Television

[edit]

Duran has hosted public-access television programs, Vet Talk and Political Chit Chat, which are filmed at BronxNet and Manhattan Neighborhood Network and broadcast in New York City.[3][62]

Commentary

[edit]

Duran has appeared as a commentator in local and national media on veterans’ issues and New York City politics.[52][63][64]

Recognition

[edit]

Duran has received recognition for his community service and veteran advocacy. In 2013, he participated in the ceremonial ringing of the Nasdaq opening bell.[65] In 2014, he was awarded the “Veteran of the Year” medal by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.[66] In 2016, he was named “Father of the Year” by the New York City Fatherhood Coalition.[67]

Personal life

[edit]

Duran was raised in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx by a single mother who immigrated from El Salvador.[27] He has cited his upbringing and his transition from military service as influences on his community service and political involvement.[9]

Duran resides in the Bronx and has two children.[68] He has been ordained by the New York State Chaplain Workers Federation.[69]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Torres, Joe (2014-07-15). "Tiempo on July 13th, 2014: Part 1". WABC-TV. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  2. ^ Duran, Gonzalo (2025-10-06). "Curtis Sliwa Sings Happy Birthday to Gonzalo Duran". Gonzalo Duran. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
  3. ^ a b Formoso, Jessica (2017-01-12). "Cameras stolen from veterans charity's SUV". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  4. ^ Clarke, Erin (2017-01-11). "Former Marine, Homeless After Returning from Iraq, Now Fighting to Help Other Vets in the Bronx". NY1. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  5. ^ a b "Veteran-focused talk show 'Vet Talk' celebrates 13 years as it returns to filming at BronxNet Studios – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2026-05-13. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
  6. ^ a b Harper, Jennifer (2024-05-27). "A message from the Bronx for Donald Trump". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
  7. ^ Cruz, David (2016-11-11). "For Devil Dog USA Founder, Every Day is Veterans Day". Norwood News. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  8. ^ a b Cusano, Arthur (2016-12-24). "Bronx Veteran looks to help fellow vets with hugs". The Bronx Times. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  9. ^ a b Reinders, Sienna (2025-10-01). "Gonzalo Duran Discusses Founding Devil Dog U.S.A." The Fordham Ram. Retrieved 2025-10-04.
  10. ^ Logan, Erin (2017-01-12). "Cameras, Laptop Stolen From Charity Group's Van In The Bronx". CBS New York. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  11. ^ Kochman, Ben (2014-10-13). "Bronx ex-Marine Gonzalo Duran will stop at nothing to house veterans". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  12. ^ "Devil Dog USA Inc". Fox News. 2014-10-14. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  13. ^ Kochman, Ben (2014-12-15). "Bronx nonprofit that helps veterans struggles to stay afloat". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  14. ^ Torres, Joe (2014-07-15). "Tiempo on July 13th, 2014: Part 2". WABC-TV. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  15. ^ Clarke, Erin (2014-06-13). "Bronx Marine Fights to House Fellow Veterans". NY1. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  16. ^ "Sgt. Gonzalo Duran wants Bronx home to be homeless shelter for veterans". News 12 - New Jersey. 2014-05-27. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  17. ^ Rapoport, Scott (2014-05-26). "Bronx Marine Gives From The Heart". CBS. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
  18. ^ "Hero helping heroes: Marine's transitional home for vets Sgt. Gonzalo Duran explains". Fox News. 2017-02-03. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  19. ^ "Former Marine Holds Cleanup at Property That He Wants to Use to House Vets". DNAinfo New York. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
  20. ^ Department of Veteran Services (2018). "New York City Human Rights Law with Local Law 119-2017" (PDF). New York City.
  21. ^ "City Scene: February 17, 2023". Courier News. 2023-02-17. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  22. ^ Yost, Meghan (2017-06-12). "Pop-up Store in Milford Helps Veterans Transition Back into Workforce". WTNH.
  23. ^ Cadet, Brittany (2024-01-28). "New center in Crotona Park offers resources to veterans". News 12 Networks. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  24. ^ a b Marshall, Ethan (2026-02-25). "Devil Dog USA launches legislative effort aimed at providing assistance to veterans". BronxTimes. Retrieved 2026-04-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. ^ "The Corporal Yegor Zubarev Veterans Housing, Citizenship, and Mental Health Access Bill". Devil Dog USA Incorporated. 2026-02-21. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  26. ^ "Former Marine Trying to Turn Late Father's Home Into Veterans' Housing". DNAinfo New York. Archived from the original on 2025-07-09. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
  27. ^ a b c d Young, Olivia (2026-02-20). "Conservative launches congressional campaign against Torres". The Riverdale Press. Retrieved 2026-04-28.
  28. ^ a b Hutzler, Alexandra (2017-06-02). "These vets gird for a new kind of battle - politics". The Riverdale Press. Retrieved 2026-01-23.
  29. ^ Thomas, Deszure (2025-08-24). "Gonzalo Duran on Redefining Conservatism in the Bronx". The Bronx Journal. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  30. ^ a b c d e f Moloney, Sile (2024-11-04). "Gonzalo Duran on Transparency, Accountability & Leadership". Norwood News. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  31. ^ Greene, David (2024-01-20). "Bronx County Conservative Party Returns with Annual Christmas Party & Toy Giveaway". Norwood News. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  32. ^ Swanson, Emily (2024-12-16). "Bronx hosts meeting of Conservative Party candidates for citywide office". Bronx Times-Reporter. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  33. ^ Stahl, Maya (2024-07-03). "Conservatives say they're on the rise in the Bronx – Bronx Times". BronxTimes. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  34. ^ "Bronx Conservative Party works to increase its small but growing membership – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2024-09-13. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  35. ^ "Bronx conservatives energized after Trump's win, see chance to build momentum and diversify – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2024-11-11. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  36. ^ a b Sequeira, Robbie (2023-01-19). "Former marine Gonzalo Duran to challenge Salamanca for City Council District 17 seat". Bronx Times-Reporter. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  37. ^ Sequeira, Robbie (2023-05-17). "Knocked out of Dem primary, CD17 challenger Gonzalo Duran pivots to Conservative Party ballot line". Bronx Times-Reporter. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  38. ^ "2023 election results: New York". FOX 5 NY. 2023-11-07. Retrieved 2026-01-22.
  39. ^ Gonzalez, Izania (2024-10-24). "Gonzalo Duran runs for congressional district 15 focused on veterans and political integrity". Riverdale Press. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  40. ^ "New York House District 15 Election 2024 Live Results". www.nbcnews.com. Retrieved 2026-01-22.
  41. ^ Moloney, Sile (2024-05-21). "Build-up Surrounds End of Trump Trial and Planned Crotona Park Rally & Counter Protest". Norwood News.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  42. ^ "Bronx Conservative Party holds monthly meeting, Gonzalo Duran announces run for mayor – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  43. ^ Jack, Dominique (2025-06-24). "NYC public advocate: Gonzalo Duran takes Republican nomination". WPIX.
  44. ^ "New York City Public Advocate Election Results". The New York Times. 2025-11-04. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-01-22.
  45. ^ BerginShare, Brigid (2025-10-07). "Thursday night is ruined! Debate for NYC public advocate is off". Gothamist. Retrieved 2025-11-05.
  46. ^ a b c d Louis, Errol (2025-10-09). "Public Advocate candidates talk campaigns and more". NY1.
  47. ^ a b Gonzalez, Jason (2025-07-17). "Protecting and strengthening the legacy of the Voting Rights Act, Part Two". Amsterdam News. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  48. ^ a b c López, Claudia (2024-11-04). "Candidato al Congreso de EE. UU. llama a la migración legal: "vengan, pero vengan legal"". Panorama (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  49. ^ a b Marshall, Ethan (2025-08-08). "NYC Public Advocate candidate Gonzalo Duran, Bronx conservatives, call out 'rising tide of socialism' in city". Bronx Times-Reporter. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  50. ^ "Political party founded by Gonzalo Duran expanding petitioning infrastructure across New York State – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2026-04-16. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  51. ^ "Sliwa, Duran lead protest against proposed lithium battery plant in the Bronx – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2025-04-17. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  52. ^ a b Rampini, Federico (2025-06-18). "Inchieste in movimento - L'America di Trump". La7 (in Italian). Start: 1 hour 5 mins.
  53. ^ a b NEW YORKS FINEST: RETIRED & UNFILTERED PODCAST (2025-07-23). Gonzalo Duran - Candidate for NYC Public Advocate. Retrieved 2026-05-04 – via YouTube.
  54. ^ "Conservative party's Gonzalo Duran enters NY-15 race, vows to challenge socialism – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2026-02-10. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  55. ^ Wang, Bingyan (July 4, 2025). "星島日報(紐約版)". Sing Tao USA (in Chinese). p. 15. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
  56. ^ Wang, Bingyan (September 22, 2025). "星島日報(紐約版)". Sing Tao USA (in Chinese). p. 14. Retrieved 2026-05-12.
  57. ^ admin (2023-01-12). "Three Kings Day Celebrated Across The Bronx, Ending the Holiday Season - Norwood News". Retrieved 2026-05-12.
  58. ^ "Gonzalo Duran, Author at Careers in Government". Careers in Government. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  59. ^ "Gonzalo Duran, Author at The Bronx Chronicle". The Bronx Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2017-04-03. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  60. ^ Duran, Gonzalo (May 31, 2024). "Exclusive Interview One On One With New York City's Mayor Eric Adams". The Bronx Daily. Retrieved May 5, 2026.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  61. ^ Goodman, Tyreek (2026-03-02). "Gonzalo Duran Named Editor-in-Chief of The Big Apple Gazette". The Big Apple Gazette. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  62. ^ Bronck, Jonas (2025-05-08). "Political Chit Chat With Gonzalo Duran Launches: A New Era In Political Talk". The Bronx Daily. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  63. ^ Slattery, Denis (2018-08-08). "Cabal of wealthy Trump buddies running Department of Veterans Affairs from President's Mar-a-Lago resort: report". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
  64. ^ "Local vets offer take on Obama's ISIS speech". News 12. 2014-09-11.
  65. ^ "The Mission Continues to Ring the NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell". Nasdaq. 2013-06-28.
  66. ^ Goodstein, Steven (2014-12-02). "BCC, elected officials honor veterans at luncheon". Bronx Times. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  67. ^ Wirsing, Robert (2016-10-16). "Fatherhood Coalition Honors Bronx Dads". Bronx Times-Reporter. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  68. ^ Larkin, Gary (2023-01-06). "Former Marine seeks help for program". The Riverdale Press. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  69. ^ Bronck, Jonas (2025-08-22). "The People's Advocate: Gonzalo Duran's Mission To Restore The American Dream In NYC". The Bronx Daily. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gonzalo_Duran&oldid=1359354308"