Jeb Bush is backing Paul Massey as mayor of New York City, confirming that his $1,000 donation is an endorsement.
The onetime presidential candidate made the donation in January, according a review of Massey’s campaign records by Politico. Kristy Campbell, a spokesperson for Bush told the publication the donation is an endorsement.
“I can confirm Governor Bush is supporting Paul Massey,” she said by email. “He thinks he will be an excellent Mayor, and is particularly impressed with Paul’s education platform.”
The donation appears to be the only one Bush has ever made to a New York City mayoral candidate, according to Politico, and is well below the city’s donation cap of $4,950. Massey reportedly donated $100,000 to a pro-Bush super PAC during last year’s presidential race.
Massey, a Cushman & Wakefield executive, has at last count raised around $4.6 million, ahead of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s $4.37 million, though he still faces an uphill battle in name recognition. He’s also attempting to fend off a challenge from Staten Island Republican Nicole Malliotakis. [Politico] — Miriam Hall