Meet Richard
Self-made businessman Richard Hanna gave back to his community quietly and behind the scenes for more than 25 years.
In 2008, Richard decided to make a difference in a more public way and ran for Congress.
He ran as an outsider – a private citizen – committed to representing the people of New York’s 24th Congressional District. As a political newcomer Richard wasn’t given credibility as a serious contender, but he shocked the political establishment, the media and the experts when he came within two percentage points of victory.
Two years later, Richard is back in the race. Not because he came close in 2008, but because he remains convinced that if we do not act responsibly and with great urgency we risk being the last generation to experience the full promise of Upstate New York and America.
And this time, the race is gaining national attention.
TIME Magazine recognized Richard as one of 10 GOP candidates nationwide to watch in 2010.
Stuart Rothenberg of the Washington, D.C.-based Rothenberg Political Report called Richard “delightful – thoughtful, down to earth and straightforward.”
The Cook Political Report, known as “the insider’s choice for election analysis,” this spring moved the 24th Congressional District race from “Leans Democrat” to “Toss-Up.”
