Lee M. Zeldin
Lee M. Zeldin is running for New York State governor
LEE ZELDIN
REPUBLICAN
BACKGROUND:
- Zeldin, 42, has been congressman in a Suffolk County-based district since 2015.
- Previously, the Shirley resident served four years in the State Senate.
- He was one of the strongest allies of ex-President Donald Trump and voted against certifying the 2020 election won by President Joe Biden.
- He earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and a law degree from Albany Law School.
ISSUES:
- Calls his rival soft on crime and promises to repeal a 2019 law that eliminated bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, though it’s unlikely the State Legislature would agree to do so.
- Criticizes awarding of state contracts to companies who’ve also made political contributions.
- Opposes COVID-19 mandates for masks and vaccines. Opposes New York’s “Red Flag Law,” which provides a process for judges to remove firearms from people who are determined to be a danger to themselves or others.
- Opposes abortion rights but says he wouldn’t seek to overturn state law protecting abortion rights. Opposes allowing Medicaid funds to cover abortions.