PRESS RELEASE
NEW YORK – Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) released his first ten endorsements from members of the New York State Assembly. Assembly Members Jake Ashby, Karl Brabenec, Joe DeStefano, David DiPietro, Jeff Gallahan, Jarrett Gandolfo, Jodi Giglio, Colin Schmitt, Doug Smith and Chris Tague endorsed Congressman Lee Zeldin for Governor of New York.
Assemblyman Jake Ashby said, “Under the leadership of Andrew Cuomo New Yorkers have seen an explosive increase in crime coupled with massive tax increases that continue to drive families out of our State. Simply put, it is time for a change. Lee Zeldin is a proven leader who is committed to restoring fiscal discipline and promoting pro-police policies. I am honored to endorse fellow Army Veteran Lee Zeldin for Governor.”
Assemblyman Karl Brabenec said, “I am very happy to officially endorse my good friend Lee Zeldin for Governor of the State of New York. Our state is failing in every possible way and in desperate need of good leadership. Lee has a proven record of accomplishments, excellent leadership skills, and the right vision to make NY the Empire State once again! Please support Lee Zeldin for NYS Governor in 2022.”
Assemblyman Joe DeStefano said, “Now more than ever, New Yorkers need a leader in Albany who will stand up to the radical anti-police, anti-safety agenda propagated by Andrew Cuomo Cuomo and his far-left New York City cronies. Lee Zeldin has always stood up for safety and security. Whether it be during his service in Iraq with the U.S. Army, or his fierce advocacy on behalf of New Yorkers as a NYS senator and congressman, he has always been a staunch supporter of police, law enforcement, and public safety. Lee will be a governor committed to the rule of law, and will help to save our state.”
Assemblyman David DiPietro said, “Lee Zeldin has always stood shoulder to shoulder with members of enforcement and is exactly what New York needs to save our state from the crime wave that has occurred as a result of Andrew a Cuomo’s failed policies. As governor, Lee Zeldin will work night and day to reverse Cuomo’s disastrous anti-police policies, and restore law and order. I am proud to endorse him.”
Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan said, “When Law Enforcement needed our support the most, Andrew Cuomo caved to the radical left, and our state has seen a dramatic rise in crime. I am proud to endorse Lee Zeldin for Governor because I know he will never put criminals above law-abiding citizens, and will always work hard for the working class New Yorkers I am honored to represent.”
Assemblyman Jarrett Gandolfo said, “Lee Zeldin is the fighter New York needs to save our state. Whether it be admirably serving our nation in the U.S. Army, protecting our shores and environment, advocating on behalf of law enforcement, or cutting taxes, Lee has shown he has what it takes to turn our state around. He is the right person at the right time to take on the corrupt Andrew Cuomo.”
Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio said, “New York was once known as the premiere place to do business, but Andrew Cuomo’s high-tax agenda has decimated our economy and forced many to flee in search of a more prosperous, affordable place to live. Lee Zeldin has what it takes to stop this exodus, and once again make the Empire State fertile ground for American ingenuity and opportunity. I am proud to support his campaign for governor.”
Assemblyman Colin Schmitt said, “Andrew Cuomo’s many scandals demonstrate his lack of integrity, disregard for the public, and inability to lead our state. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve, former state senator, and current congressman Lee Zeldin has always put his community and country before himself. He has proven himself to be a leader who always delivers, and has shown his ability to return the Empire State to its former glory.”
Assemblyman Doug Smith said, “Andrew Cuomo has punished New York’s middle class with his pro criminal agenda, high taxes, and disdain for police, but he has also used his office for profit as New Yorkers suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. New York needs a governor who can lead with integrity, who understands the struggles of everyday working people, and who will always fight for our families. New York needs Lee Zeldin.”
Assemblyman Chris Tague said, “New York needs a champion for working people and families now more than ever, and I am confident Lee Zeldin is the best person to defeat Andrew Cuomo and bring common sense back to Albany. For years now, Andrew Cuomo has worsened our business climate, driven families and businesses out of the state, stood up for criminals and against law enforcement and public safety, and ignored our constitutional rights.”
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About Lee Zeldin
Lee Zeldin was born and raised on Long Island. He grew up in Suffolk County and graduated from William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach, where his identical twin daughters attend school today. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and then his law degree from Albany Law School, becoming New York’s youngest attorney at the time at the age of 23.
Lee spent four years on Active Duty with the U.S. Army after completing ROTC and served in different capacities, including as a Military Intelligence Officer, Prosecutor, and Military Magistrate. In the summer of 2006, while assigned to the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division, Lee deployed to Iraq with an infantry battalion of fellow paratroopers in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2007, Lee returned to Suffolk County with his family. It was at this time that Lee transitioned from Active Duty to the Army Reserve, where he currently serves with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In 2008, Lee established a successful law practice in Smithtown, NY. Elected to the New York State Senate two years later, in 2010, Lee’s been working hard every day since to keep the promises he made to the hard-working families he represents.
In the State Senate, Lee successfully fought to repeal the MTA Payroll Tax for 80 percent of employers, a job killing tax that was hurting small businesses. Lee led the successful efforts to repeal the Saltwater Fishing License Fee and create the PFC Joseph Dwyer Program, a statewide program in New York to help our returning veterans cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Lee also wrote the law that protects our fallen veterans and their families from protests at military burials.
Lee was then elected to the United States Congress in 2014, representing New York’s First Congressional District, and quickly became a leading voice in America on top local, domestic and foreign policy issues.
Lee has secured many key victories for Long Island, which have included among many other successes:
Saving Plum Island, by securing the repeal of a 2008 federal law requiring the island to be sold off to the highest bidder. He also secured funding to repair the historic Plum Island Lighthouse and funding necessary to remediate environmental concerns on the island.
- Delivering a $2 billion Electron Ion Collider project to Brookhaven National Lab.
- Securing $8.3 billion in much needed funding to support treatment, enforcement, and prevention for those affected by the heroin and opioid abuse crisis.
- Working with the Army Corps of Engineers to protect our coastlines, advancing the ambitious $1.5 billion Fire Island to Montauk Point project, in addition to several other vital projects on the north and south shores of Long Island.
- Co-Chairing the Long Island Sound Caucus and delivering vast quantities of funding for the Long Island Sound Program, National Estuary Program and SeaGrant.
- Introducing and passing into law his Adult Day Health Care legislation for disabled veterans and opening a new health care clinic for East End veterans.
- Co-authoring a bipartisan resolution (H.Res. 246) that passed the House opposing the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.
- Successfully resolving over 17,000 constituent cases in favor of NY-1 residents.