Astorino Advisor Running for 18th Congressional District

Somers resident Phil Oliva officially kicked off his congressional campaign for the 18th District Monday, challenging the two-term incumbent, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-Cold Spring).

“We have a $19 trillion national debt, 94 million Americans are out of the workforce, we’re under attack by terrorists, our allies no longer trust us and our enemies no longer fear us and Washington keeps kicking the can down the road,” said Oliva in a prepared statement. “I’m not looking to go to Washington and join the ‘go-along-to-get-along’ crowd. I’m looking to break up the status quo and get us back to a smarter, more limited form of government that’s focused on a strong national defense, free enterprise economy that expands job creation and income growth, and securing the borders once and for all.”

The 18th Congressional District includes Putnam and Orange counties as well as parts of Dutchess and Westchester counties.

Oliva is seeking the Republican nomination. Orange County resident Frank Spampinato has already thrown his hat in the ring.

SEE: Former Marine Launches Campaign for 18th

In a speech at Four Brothers Restaurant in Mahopac, which campaign officials estimated was attended by more than 100 supporters, Oliva also mentioned the local heroin epidemic, regional infrastructure needs and the needs of veterans as areas he would focus on as Congressman.

He criticized Maloney for being “out-of-touch.”

”He said nothing about Iran capturing 10 of our sailors and holding them at gunpoint, but the same week he starts a petition to rename Donald J. Trump Park in Putnam? We have more important issues and we don’t have time for these silly political games,” said Oliva.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell were among several local officials there in support.

Oliva is a top advisor for Astorino.

”I’m proud to enthusiastically support Phil’s campaign because he is grounded and principled. Washington won’t change Phil. We can count on Phil to change Washington,” said Astorino.

Oliva is also the President of Gipper Communications, LLC, a New York-based consulting firm.

During Astorino’s 2014 race for governor, campaign officials said, Oliva co-authored an economic plan that was called “A Plan for New York Revival” by the Wall Street Journal, adding that it would “lift the state’s flagging economy” if enacted.

Oliva has more than 20 years experience in the public and private sectors, working in the healthcare industry and at various levels of government including time as a speechwriter for former New York governor George Pataki.

Oliva earned an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BA from Siena College where he also played Division I baseball and Division I-AA football. He and his wife Jessica are the proud parents of Philip, 4, and Daniela, 2. They are expecting a third child in February.