About Steve

Meet Steve Harrison

Steve grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, amidst the rubble of the homes destroyed by Robert Moses to make way for the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.  "That experience," says Steve, "shaped my life-long commitment to community preservation and forged an emotional connection to Staten Island where so many of my displaced friends moved."

Now, as a son, a husband, a father, a brother, a lawyer and a small business owner, he understands the challenges faced by people on both sides of the bridge.  Steve and his wife of 34 years - and both of their children - live in Bay Ridge.  His mother and sister live on the Island.

For decades, Steve has been active in local governmental, educational, political and civic organizations.  As Chair of Community Board 10, he spearheaded many initiatives including the largest rezoning in Brooklyn's history.

Steve is an avid runner.  Two days before Election Day 2006, he ran his 5th marathon, touching both Staten Island and Brooklyn.

"Before I knew I was running for Congress I promised my daughter I would run the New York City Marathon with her," said Steve.  He continued, "I keep my promises."

Steve entered the '06 Congressional race because, like so many people, he was frustrated by NY 13th Congressional District incumbent Vito Fossella's blind support for George Bush, and his lack of respect for our Constitution.  The district includes Staten Island and southwest Brooklyn.  It is the only NYC Congressional seat held by a Republican.

Volunteers from all over the City rallied behind Steve's message of hope.  Defying the pundits, Steve amassed 43.2% of the vote - a Democratic record - despite being outspent 13 to 1.  In the process, he bankrupted Fossella's $1.5M war chest.

With the 2% boost that traditionally is associated with the Democrat's new "Line-A" ballot position, Steve heads into the '08 election needing to close a gap of less than five points TO WIN.

The divided nature of the district means that any challenger must run this race at least twice to build the cross-bridge name recognition and credibility to win.

Building on the name recognition and credibility he gained in 2006, with your support, Steve is well positioned to win in 2008.