PRESS RELEASE: https://yournews.com/2025/07/10/3608109/steve-orosco-wants-to-become-americas-next-mayor-said-christi/
Orosco, an MBA and MSM graduate, made a name for himself in the ring, where grit, discipline, and resilience defined his every move. But today, he’s swapping gloves for grassroots—and his new opponent is decades of broken leadership in New Haven, Connecticut. Backed by Veterans for America First (VFAF), Orosco isn’t just running for mayor—he’s leading a national movement.
Orosco issued this open letter to the nation:
Dear America,
My name is Steve Orosco, and I’m not just running for Mayor of New Haven, CT — I’m leading a movement as the “Mayor of America.” This isn’t just about one city. This is about shifting votes in every major city across the country.
New Haven is more than just another city on the map. It’s the epicenter of political influence, national media, biotech innovation, and urban policy, driven largely by powerhouse institutions like Yale and Pfizer. No other city in Connecticut draws as much statewide attention or makes as many national headlines. If we take New Haven, we send a clear signal to the rest of America that change isn’t just possible, it’s already happening.
People often say the tide can’t turn here. I completely disagree. In a city of 135,000 residents, only 12,000 people voted in the 2023 mayoral election. That’s less than nine percent of the population deciding the future of our city. That’s not a blue wall, it’s a wide-open opportunity.
New Haven hasn’t had a Republican mayor since 1953, and what has that given us? Failed tax reform, $2.5b in unfunded liabilities, collapsing education with 17% proficiency rates in English and 14% in math, sky-high poverty rates, unaffordable living, declining rates of home ownership, poor economic vitality, highest number of fentanyl overdoses in the state and violent crime rates that have ranked New Haven as the most dangerous place to live in Connecticut.
This city is bleeding opportunity. But it doesn’t have to stay this way.
If we want to shift the balance of power in Connecticut, we can’t just fight on the fringes. We need to take on the big players who control these metropolitan areas. It’s time to challenge the notion that these cities are permanently blue. As I always say, we don’t have blue states, we have blue cities.
That’s why I’m asking for your support. Not just words, but action. When residents across the country rally behind this campaign, we prove that Republican values don’t stop at the city line. They belong in every community, from the suburbs to the city center.
This isn’t just about one office. It’s about restoring balance and proving that Republicans don’t back down. We step up. We fight. And we win.
Your commitment to revolutionizing this country one city at a time means the world to me. I’d be honored to earn your support. We’re building a winning campaign to defeat Mayor Justin Elicker and I need your support to make it happen. Whether you’d like to donate, get involved, or help us spread the word.
Let’s make history together, starting in New Haven.
Sincerely,
Steve Orosco, MBA, MSM
A Fighter For America
Donate → www.steveorosco.co
Orosco's bio is impressive:
Steve Orosco, MBA, MSM
Entrepreneur | Professional Fighter | Philanthropist | Candidate for Mayor of New Haven
Early Life
Steve Orosco was born in 1980 in Newport, Rhode Island. His father, Ricardo, immigrated to the United States from Trinidad in 1971. His mother, Heather, is of Scottish and Canadian descent. Raised in a family that experienced real financial hardship, Steve spent part of his childhood in low-income housing. Those experiences shaped his determination and drive.
His father encouraged Steve to be the first in the family to graduate college, and his mother, who earned a Master’s degree from Yale at the age of 45, instilled the value of education and service. These influences guided the foundation of Steve’s character and future.
Academic Achievements
Steve graduated from Pace University in New York City with a double major in Finance and Marketing. He later earned both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Management (MSM) from Albertus Magnus College, graduating at the top of his class with a 3.9 GPA. Steve was not satisfied with the status quo, so he left his job at Barnum Financial Group to pursue his passion—Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
“Passion is the new currency,” says Orosco, and his love for the sport of MMA drove him to leave corporate life behind and step into the cage.
Professional MMA Career
Steve began wrestling as a child and competed for the Rhode Island national team. He became a gold medalist in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions and fought professionally in MMA, earning an 8-1 record with wins by knockout and submission. He trained with the professional team Alliance MMA in San Diego, CA, where he gained a reputation for grit, intelligence, and discipline.
Founder of SMASH Global
www.smashglobal.com
Steve founded SMASH Global, an MMA league that blends professional fights with red-carpet prestige and purpose. The goal: combine the class of boxing, the excitement of MMA, and the elegance of a black-tie gala into a one-of-a-kind experience. Each event supports charitable causes and honors influential figures who have impacted the world of martial arts.
SMASH Global raises awareness for causes like anti-bullying, cancer, and veteran support. “Everyone is fighting for something,” says Orosco. The events feature live and silent auctions to support numerous charities.
Charitable Partners
Anti-Bullying and Equality
Discrimination Free Zone Foundation – Featured in initiatives like “SMASH Bullying” and “SMASH for Equality.”
The Collective Access – Provides resources and opportunities for youth.
Youth Education
Sheenway Schools / Sheen Educational Foundation – Serving South Los Angeles and Watts since 1971.
Veteran Support
For Veterans by Veterans – Combats veteran poverty with housing, food, and paid internships.
Smash for Troops – In partnership with Bunker Labs, Camp Hope, and Casualties of War to support veterans with PTSD, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship.
Health and Medical Research
Michael J. Fox Foundation – Beneficiary of SMASH Global III. Honored trainer Freddie Roach, who has Parkinson’s.
Cancer Awareness
Susan G. Komen – San Diego chapter.
Noah Leatherby Pediatric Cancer Fund – Proceeds helped support a 4-year-old battling rare cancer.
SMASH Global Honorees Include
Freddie Roach
Tito Ortiz
Steven Seagal
Chuck Liddell
Earnie Shavers
Mel Gibson
Rigan Machado
Dolph Lundgren
Lou Ferrigno
Shane Mosley
Mickey Rourke
Ken Shamrock
James Toney
Rafi Anteby
Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership
Steve’s business interests include:
Smash Sups – A fasting-specific mineral complex.
www.smhq.com
Smash HQ – Training facility in Milford, CT for strength and performance.
HQCT – A 250,000 sq. ft. sports and entertainment venue in Clinton, CT.
www.hqct.com
He also serves on advisory boards for health startups and community initiatives.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Steve has volunteered reading mail for the blind and has provided adaptive boxing training to individuals with cerebral palsy to help regain motor function.
Political Involvement
Steve has twice run for Connecticut State Senate in District 11, challenging longtime incumbent Martin Looney. He was the first in the district to qualify for the Citizens’ Election Program (CEP), achieving that again in 2024.
In 2025, he’s running for Mayor of New Haven. A city where only 9% of the population voted in 2023—and which has not elected a Republican mayor since 1953.
Why I’m Running
"New Haven deserves a mayor who won’t back down from hard problems and won’t forget who they work for. I’m not a career politician. I’ve fought in cages, built businesses from the ground up, and shown up for my community. I believe in getting things done—and I believe New Haven can do better. I’m running to bring pride, accountability, and opportunity back to this city. This is about service. This is about people. And I’m ready to fight for every one of them."
Key Issues
Education Reform – Accountability and choice for students and families.
Public Safety – Strengthen trust between police and neighborhoods.
At-Risk Youth – Programs to create success pathways.
Economic Development – Support small business and investment.
Fiscal Responsibility – Eliminate waste, fund priorities.
Government Accountability – Term limits and transparency.
“I’ve built businesses. I’ve walked into cages to fight. I’ve stood up when it wasn’t easy. And now, I’m ready to fight for New Haven. This city deserves a leader who answers to the people—not the system.”
