A federal appeals court has upheld the public corruption conviction and 10-year prison term for a former New York City councilman.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday rejected the appeal brought by Daniel Halloran. The Queens Republican was convicted of bribery and fraud in 2014.

Prosecutors said he helped another politician try to buy a spot on the 2013 mayoral ballot. He was a council member from 2010 to 2013.

Just before trial, Halloran tried to raise an insanity defense, citing 2012 brain surgery to remove a benign tumor. A judge rejected it, noting a lack of supporting evidence.

His lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(AP)