Shafran Leads Fundraising Effort in Race for Halloran's Seat: Campaign Finance Records

Austin Shafran, a former employee of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration, has currently raised the most funds in the race for Councilman Dan Halloran’s seat, according to city campaign finance records.  

Shafran, who is the former vice president of public relations for Empire State Development, has brought in a total $58,802 in his bid for the seat.  

Former state Assemblyman John Duane is in second place with a total $44,420, while attorney Paul Vallone, who is the brother of Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., has raised $39,305.  

Vallone, who said his campaign has raised closer to $73,000, picked up an endorsement this week from the Detectives’ Endowment Association.  

Chrissy Voskerichian, who was Halloran’s former chief of staff, has brought in $11,060, while long-time community activist and urban planning consultant Paul Graziano has raised $8,760. But Graziano said his campaign has received more than $19,000.  

No funds have yet been reported for Douglaston attorney Dennis Saffran, who is the Queens County Republican Party’s pick for the seat. And Rudy S. Giuliani, a cousin of the former mayor who has been mentioned as a potential candidate in the race, is currently not listed in city campaign finance records.  

Halloran recently announced that he would not run for reelection following his arrest in an alleged bribery scheme to get state Sen. Malcolm Smith, a Democrat, on the Republican mayoral ballot. Halloran is also facing questions as to whether he allegedly had romantic relationships with two former staff members.