Gonzalo Duran

Gonzalo Duran was born in New York, New York. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2011. Duran earned a high school diploma from DeWitt Clinton High School and a bachelor's degree from Fordham University in 2014. His career experience includes working as a CEO.[1]

Duran has served as vice chairman of the Bronx Conservative Party. He has been affiliated with the New York State Chaplain Workers Federation.[2]

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Public advocate

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Gonzalo Duran was born, raised, and educated in the Bronx, spending his entire life there except for his eight years in the United States Marine Corps, during which he achieved the rank of Sergeant and completed a tour in Iraq.

Currently, Duran serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Devil Dog USA Incorporated, Vice Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party, District Leader for the 79th Assembly District, Chaplain, talk show host for Vet Talk, radio host, and a mentor to at-risk teens.

Duran's notable accolades include being a Nasdaq opener, receiving the Father of the Year award for New York City, and being named Veteran of the Year for the Bronx, among numerous other recognitions. His work has been featured in major media outlets including Fox & Friends, ABC Tiempo, CBS 2, News12, and BronxNet. Additionally, his work has been covered in the New York Daily News, the Bronx Times, Norwood News, and the Riverdale Press.

Duran's current focus in the nonprofit sector is to help veterans transition back into their communities and involve youth to support objectives in patriotism, military service, and future organizational membership. His political goal is to increase the Conservative Party's numbers in New York City and boost opposition in legislative offices, aiming to elect the first Conservative Party member in decades.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have spent my entire life in pursuit of the American Dream. However, due to factors beyond my control such as inflation and the fluctuating economy, it has continually slipped through my fingers despite my relentless efforts. If this country does not change, I fear I may never achieve it. I know many other Americans are suffering too and I firmly believe I can offer more effective solutions than those currently in office. For example, the way we spend our tax dollars is a major problem. We need more transparency in where our money is going, a better return on our funds, and the ability to safeguard against those who would take advantage of us. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that the American Dream is within reach for everyone.One important characteristic I bring to the table is my leadership ability. I have spent my entire adult life serving my country, veterans nationwide, my communities, and the people of the Bronx. I have done this in various roles, including as an executive in the nonprofit sector, a chaplain, and a community advocate addressing issues affecting both New York City and the nation. I have earned everything through hard work and consistency. Over the last twenty years, my work has been documented, published in the media, and validated by visible results. I do not flip-flop on issues and am willing to fight for causes that, while not always popular, are the most promising for our future.My greatest gift has been my ability to unite individuals, community members, and leaders to collaborate and pool resources, avoiding the negativity often seen in similar situations. I have achieved this by working with representatives, leaders, and constituents from opposing parties. To make the necessary changes, we must work together. I believe my diplomatic skills would greatly benefit the House of Representatives and, in turn, better serve the people.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

For the last ten years I have worked helping to advocate and make changes in policies for Veterans, housing and community resources. There have been much more I have worked on but these I consider my expertise are in. My political outlooks focus more on fiscal transparency, unify the community and civic engagement. I have been able to work on all these because I listen to the people and take action instead of talking about making changes. There is ten years worth of tangible proof of my work.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

The person I look up to is my mother. Life did not give her much, but she accomplished much. She does not have official titles or degrees, she lived a simple life, yet helped those in need and took care of her own.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe courage is the most important quality an elected official can possess. When entrusted with power, one must have the strength to stand firm, to fight for the people, and to rise above the temptations that test us all.

Too many have sought office for the wrong reasons—and that is why we’ve seen such poor leadership in our generation. Our city is struggling, and it will continue to decline unless the people begin to make wiser, more courageous choices.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

An elected official must have the courage to make the tough decisions that truly benefit the people — not the political insiders or special interests. They must have the integrity to stand firm in their values, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient. And above all, they must remember that public office is not about power — it’s about service.

Our duty is to listen to the people, fight for their needs, and protect their rights. It means standing up against corruption, resisting temptation, and putting community over self. Far too many have treated public service as a stepping stone for personal ambition, and that’s why our city has suffered.

True leadership means being a voice for those who are unheard, restoring faith in our government, and leading with heart, courage, and conviction.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I just want it to be known that I worked hard to improve my beloved Bronx.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11 was the first historical event that happened in my life time and I was in middle school the day it happened.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job experience was with the Youth Employment Program (YEP) at 13. My first part-time job was working as a bag boy at the neighborhood supermarket at 15. My first real job was as a United States Marine when I turned 18.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I can’t remember the name of the book right now, but it’s a love story that completely caught me by surprise. I’ve always enjoyed picking up random books to read, and one day I happened to choose this romance novel. From the moment I started, I couldn’t put it down — and ever since then, I’ve read it at least once a year.

That book reminds me of the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. Sometimes, the most unexpected choices lead to the most meaningful experiences. Whether it’s what we read, see, or even taste, trying new things opens our minds and keeps our hearts alive to the possibilities life has to offer.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I would want to be Batman. He represents the peak of human potential — a symbol of discipline, resilience, and relentless determination. Yet beneath the mask, he also reflects a truth many of us live: how easy it is to lose ourselves in our work and our mission.

Despite facing others with greater power, wealth, or abilities, Batman continues to prevail through sheer will, intellect, and courage. That resonates deeply with me. I see a reflection of myself in that struggle — the drive to push beyond limits, to keep fighting even when the odds are stacked high, and to stay true to a purpose larger than myself.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One issue I’ve struggled with throughout my life is trying to reach the middle class. Every time I get close, it feels like another barrier is placed in front of me. I’ve worked hard, earned an education, and followed the rules — yet simply wanting to live a stable, honest life seems to come with endless obstacles.

The middle class is shrinking, and the dream that once defined America is slipping further out of reach for too many of us. But I refuse to give up. I continue to fight — not just for myself, but for every hardworking New Yorker who believes that effort, discipline, and integrity should still mean something.

We deserve a city where hard work leads to opportunity, not exhaustion. A city where the middle class grows again, and where every person has a fair shot at achieving the dignity of a good life.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

Last year, I met someone who had just become a U.S. citizen. They had lived here for many years on a green card, working hard and contributing quietly to their community. After meeting and working with me, they asked if I would attend their naturalization ceremony — and I did. It was the eighth ceremony I’ve had the honor of attending, but this one felt different.

Afterward, they surprised me by asking if I could help them register to vote. They told me they wanted to use their newfound right as an American citizen — and that they hoped to vote for me in the last election.

That moment deeply moved me. To witness someone’s pride in becoming an American, and their eagerness to participate in democracy, reminded me why I serve — to honor that trust, that hope, and that faith in what our country stands for.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Recently, Fordham University published an article recognizing my work in helping to pass a local law addressing student veteran homelessness while I was still attending school. It was an issue few wanted to acknowledge, but one that affected real people — men and women who served our country and were now struggling to find stability while pursuing their education.

For years, I fought to bring attention to this problem. There were moments when it felt like no one was listening, and that our efforts were invisible. But I kept pushing because I believed it mattered.

After a decade of persistence, Fordham finally acknowledged the work we had done. It wasn’t about the spotlight — it was about validation for a cause that too many ignored. It was a small but meaningful victory, a reminder that even the quiet fights for justice can create lasting change.

Mayor

Gonzalo Duran did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2025 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Gonzalo Duran was born, raised, and educated in the Bronx, spending his entire life there except for his eight years in the United States Marine Corps, during which he achieved the rank of Sergeant and completed a tour in Iraq.

Currently, Duran serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Devil Dog USA Incorporated, Vice Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party, District Leader for the 79th Assembly District, Chaplain, talk show host for Vet Talk, radio host, senior reporter for the Bronx Daily, and a mentor to at-risk teens. He is also a candidate for New York Congress District 15 in the Bronx.

Duran's notable accolades include being a Nasdaq opener, receiving the Father of the Year award for New York City, and being named Veteran of the Year for the Bronx, among numerous other recognitions. His work has been featured in major media outlets including Fox & Friends, ABC Tiempo, CBS 2, News12, and BronxNet. Additionally, his work has been covered in the New York Daily News, the Bronx Times, Norwood News, and the Riverdale Press.

Duran's current focus in the nonprofit sector is to help veterans transition back into their communities and involve youth to support objectives in patriotism, military service, and future organizational membership. His political goal is to increase the Conservative Party's numbers in New York City and boost opposition in legislative offices, aiming to elect the first Conservative Party member in decades.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have spent my entire life in pursuit of the American Dream. However, due to factors beyond my control such as inflation and the fluctuating economy, it has continually slipped through my fingers despite my relentless efforts. If this country does not change, I fear I may never achieve it. I know many other Americans are suffering too and I firmly believe I can offer more effective solutions than those currently in office. For example, the way we spend our tax dollars is a major problem. We need more transparency in where our money is going, a better return on our funds, and the ability to safeguard against those who would take advantage of us. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that the American Dream is within reach for everyone.One important characteristic I bring to the table is my leadership ability. I have spent my entire adult life serving my country, veterans nationwide, my communities, and the people of the Bronx. I have done this in various roles, including as an executive in the nonprofit sector, a chaplain, and a community advocate addressing issues affecting both New York City and the nation. I have earned everything through hard work and consistency. Over the last twenty years, my work has been documented, published in the media, and validated by visible results. I do not flip-flop on issues and am willing to fight for causes that, while not always popular, are the most promising for our future.My greatest gift has been my ability to unite individuals, community members, and leaders to collaborate and pool resources, avoiding the negativity often seen in similar situations. I have achieved this by working with representatives, leaders, and constituents from opposing parties. To make the necessary changes, we must work together. I believe my diplomatic skills would greatly benefit the House of Representatives and, in turn, better serve the people.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

For the last ten years I have worked helping to advocate and make changes in policies for Veterans, housing and community resources. There have been much more I have worked on but these I consider my expertise are in. My political outlooks focus more on fiscal transparency, unify the community and civic engagement. I have been able to work on all these because I listen to the people and take action instead of talking about making changes. There is ten years worth of tangible proof of my work.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

The person I look up to is my mother. Life did not give her much, but she accomplished much. She does not have official titles or degrees, she lived a simple life, yet helped those in need and took care of her own.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Leadership is a quality I have consistently demonstrated, often being entrusted to guide others in completing important missions. My approach ensures that those around me also thrive. My ultimate objective is to improve my beloved Bronx. I have accomplished so much with limited funds, staff, and resources. If provided with the necessary support, I believe the work I am doing can be replicated on a larger scale and amplified across more regions.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I just want it to be known that I worked hard to improve my beloved Bronx.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11 was the first historical event that happened in my life time and I was in middle school the day it happened.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job experience was with the Youth Employment Program (YEP) at 13. My first part-time job was working as a bag boy at the neighborhood supermarket at 15. My first real job was as a United States Marine when I turned 18.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe in term limits. Having career politicians is one of the fundamental issues facing our country. It gives these individuals a perception that they are untouchable, and because of this, they are easily swayed by corruption and lose their main goal of serving the people. While I do not have an exact time frame for what is acceptable, I am 100 percent certain that they should not be holding office for multiple decades.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Bronx County Conservative Party, The Bronx Republican Party and Who's Next NYC

Gonzalo Duran did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.