Lee Zeldin Formally Announces Run For Governor To Challenge Cuomo

LONG ISLAND, NY — Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Republican from Shirley who represents the 1st Congressional District on Long Island, has formally announced his run for governor in 2022.

Zeldin's decision came amidst growing backlash against Gov. Andrew Cuomo: Calls for the governor's resignation have intensified, with some saying sexual harassment accusations and the ongoing controversy over nursing home deaths threaten the governor's ability to govern.

“The bottom line is this; to save New York, Andrew Cuomo’s gotta go," Zeldin said. "I will bring the kind of relentless, fighting spirit towards helping to save our state that Andrew Cuomo only reserves for multi-million dollar self-congratulatory book deals, cover-ups, abuse, and self-dealing.

Cuomo's office did not immediately return a request for comment.

“With one-party Democrat rule in New York City and Albany, the light that once shone as a beacon of what America can be has gone dark," Zeldin said. "The New York that was once a magnet for the world’s best and brightest is now forcing its own to leave under the crushing weight of skyrocketing taxes, lost jobs, suffocating regulations, and rising crime resulting from dangerously liberal policies."

He added: "I am ready to go all-in on this mission and bring New York back from the brink and return it to glory. For many, this feels like a last stand to save our state. Losing is not an option.”

Zeldin, who lives in Shirley with his wife and twin daughters earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and then his law degree from Albany Law School. He spent four years on active duty with the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq with an infantry battalion of fellow paratroopers in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and now serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.

An attorney, Zeldin was elected to the New York State Senate, and later, to United States Congress in 2014. Zeldin said his key victories have included work to preserve Plum Island, delivering a $2 billion electron ion collider project to Brookhaven National Lab; securing funding to fight the opioid crisis; preserving coastlines; advocating for veterans, and more.

Zeldin, who recently won the race to retain his seat by a wide margin, ran for his fourth term, with campaign platforms focused on his military service, support for law enforcement and veterans, a tough stance on immigration, fighting gang violence (including MS-13), growing jobs and the economy, and getting to the other side of the pandemic.

Zeldin's tenure has been marked by speculation about his reported loyalty to former President Donald Trump. Donald Trump Jr. was a guest at a Zeldin fundraiser and Zeldin has greeted the president as he landed on the East End for fundraising events. Zeldin was included in an immigration forum Trump held on Long Island that focused on eradicating gang violence.

Zeldin, however, has said he is proud of his ability to reach consensus on both sides of the political aisle on issues including helicopter noise and getting personal protective equipment to Long Island during the coronavirus pandemic.

After decrying the violence that rocked the U.S. Capitol in January, Zeldin voted to object to the certification of the Electoral College votes for then-President-elect Joe Biden.