STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Max Rose, a Democratic candidate looking to unseat Republican Rep. Daniel Donovan in New York's 11th congressional district, has been named to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's (DCCC) Red-to-Blue Program.

Rose is one of only 18 candidates thus far named to the competitive program, which provides strategic guidance, staff resources and candidate training. Red-to-Blue also introduces candidates to Democratic supporters to help with fundraising efforts and provides organizational support.

"As a U.S. Army combat veteran, Infantry Company Commander in the National Guard and nonprofit executive, Max Rose has dedicated his life to serving America and giving back to New York City," DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Lujan said in a statement. Lujan also called Rose "one of the strongest challengers in the country."

The DCCC cited Rose's engagement with grassroots organization, fundraising, and campaign organization.

Rose, a Purple Heart recipient, raised more than $320,000 in the third quarter campaign finance filing period, which accounts for July through September.

"We are proud to be recognized as one of the top campaigns in the country and we're just getting started," said Rose. "When this campaign launched in August, the pundits didn't think this race would be competitive, but the people on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn knew better.

"They're sick and tired of broken promises and a government that no longer works for them," Rose continued. "They want someone with the courage to lead and the guts to fight like hell for them. That's what this campaign is all about and that will never change."

Rose is one of five Democrats hoping to challenge Donovan after June's Democratic primary.

Donovan himself is facing a primary challenge from Michael Grimm, who held the seat for two terms before stepping down in late 2014 before going to jail for tax fraud.

The former congressman spent eight months in federal prison beginning in 2015 after pleading guilty to a single count of tax fraud related to a Manhattan health food restaurant he co-owned before taking office.

Grimm has called the prosecution politically motivated.

"Politically corrupt (former Attorney General) Loretta Lynch led the charge against me," Grimm said at a campaign rally in October.

He added, tongue-in-cheek, "They routinely investigate delivery boys on bicycles, you know that."