NewsLocal News

Actions

Medal of Honor Recipient David Bellavia explains decision to not run for NY-27

Donald Trump, David Bellavia
Posted at 11:33 PM, Oct 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-22 23:35:39-04

AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia announced over the weekend he would not be running in the special election for the NY-27 Congressional seat. That seat was left vacant after former congressman Chris Collins resigned last month.

7 Eyewitness News spoke to Bellavia at the Amherst Republican Committee 40th Annual Dinner Tuesday night. He was set to receive the Chairman Nick Langworthy Award.

When we asked Bellavia about his decision not to run for Congress, he explained the army offered him an opportunity to serve that was not offered before. "That's what I've always wanted to do. I think that's the most important thing to do."

"Everywhere I go I see people that are different getting things done and people accepting people and respecting people. I really miss that and I want to be a part of that," said Bellavia. "I want those young people to go into society and change our country and I think the military is a good opportunity to do that."

When it comes to politics, Bellavia says he's more focused on Democrats and Republicans working together to protect the country from the "really bad stuff in the world."