Former Rep. Michael Grimm spent four years representing a Staten Island-area seat before serving an eight month prison sentence for tax evasion. | Kevin Hagen/AP Photo Grimm hits D.C. amid comeback bid

Former Republican congressman and convicted felon Michael Grimm returned to Washington on Wednesday in a bid to win support for his comeback congressional bid.

Among the people whose support Grimm has secured is former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. A person close to Bannon said the two met for about 30 minutes, and that the former White House aide had decided to back Grimm.


Grimm has launched a primary campaign against his successor, Republican Rep. Dan Donovan. Grimm spent four years representing a Staten Island-area seat before serving an eight month prison sentence for tax evasion.

Since departing the White House, Bannon has devoted himself to seeking out insurgent primary challengers who will upend the Republican Party leadership. During their Wednesday meeting, they were joined by several staffers.

Morning Score newsletter Your guide to the permanent campaign — weekday mornings, in your inbox. Email Sign Up By signing up you agree to receive email newsletters or alerts from POLITICO. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

A Grimm aide later posted a picture on Twitter of Bannon and the former congressman shaking hands.

Grimm was also spotted walking into the Capitol Hill Club, a popular GOP meeting spot. A Grimm spokesman, Michael Caputo, declined to comment on Grimm's meetings in Washington.

Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.

