NEW YORK – Today, New York State Assemblymen Joe Angelino, Keith Brown, Michael Fitzpatrick, Steve Hawley, Josh Jensen, John Lemondes, Michael Reilly, Matt Simpson, Robert Smullen and Mark Walcyzk endorsed Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), who has been named the presumptive nominee by both the Republican and Conservative Parties, for Governor of New York.
Assemblyman Joe Angelino said, “It is time for a change. I am proud to support Congressman Lee Zeldin because he will always protect our freedoms, support our farmers and small businesses, stand with our police, and never forget the men and women of this district who have been neglected by Albany for far too long.”
Assemblyman Keith Brown said, “Whether in the Army or the State Senate or now in Congress, Lee Zeldin has demonstrated what it means to be a leader by fighting for our country, small businesses, law enforcement, and common sense policies. There’s no doubt he can restore New York to glory, which is why I strongly support Lee Zeldin for Governor.”
Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick said, “Lee Zeldin has consistently delivered tangible results not only for Long Island, but for New York and the country as a whole. Whether it be fighting to cut taxes, protecting the environment, supporting small businesses or standing up for the men and women of law enforcement, he has shown that he will never stop advocating for the people he represents. I am proud to support Lee Zeldin for Governor, because I know he has what it takes to save our state.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “New York has gone from being the business capital of the world, to one of the most hostile environments for businesses of all sizes. Albany’s assault on New York businesses is having a devastating effect, costing our state much needed revenue and jobs, as businesses flee for friendler states. This has to stop. As a small business owner, I know what it takes to spur growth in our economy and create jobs, and Lee Zeldin’s pro-growth, pro-business, and pro-jobs agenda will reignite our once booming economy.”
Assemblyman Josh Jensen said, “People across our state are demanding common sense leadership that will consistently deliver real results, and Congressman Lee Zeldin is the leader we need for all New Yorkers. With his commitment to service at the state and federal level, Congressman Zeldin has the experience and the ability we need to turn our state around.”
Assemblyman John Lemondes said, “Congressman Zeldin has served his country in the military and in public office, and now it’s time for him to continue his service as our next Governor. Time and time again, Lee Zeldin has shown he can and will consistently deliver real, tangible results for those he represents, and will work with whoever he needs to in order to get the job done. We need that fighting spirit to Save Our State and improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”
Assemblyman Michael Reilly said, “Everyday New Yorkers have paid the price for Albany’s failed policies with higher taxes, undermined public safety and a deteriorating quality of life that has left our state a shell of its former glory. It’s time that we elect a Governor who will fight for the priorities of New Yorkers, not bow to the radical left. It’s time for a Governor who will support our men and women in blue, not side with criminals. We need a Governor who will save our state and return it to glory, and that Governor is Lee Zeldin.”
Assemblyman Matt Simpson said, “New York used to be the envy of the world, but, for many New Yorkers, they can’t leave our state fast enough. The reason behind this isn’t a mystery. It’s due to radical one-party policies that are making New York unsafe, unaffordable, and unlivable for many. I’m proud to give my full support to Lee Zeldin because the current challenges facing our state aren’t unfixable, but we need a governor who will fight for all New Yorkers, who has solutions to our problems and the political grit to get the job done.”
Assemblyman Robert Smullen said, “As millions of New Yorkers flee the state, crime soars, and taxes reach an all-time high, we need someone ready to save our state on day one. New Yorkers deserve a leader in Albany who is focused on their safety and keeping money in their wallets. That is why I’m supporting Congressman Lee Zeldin for Governor. From his time as a State Senator to his record in Congress, Lee Zeldin has proven himself to be a leader who puts people over politics and delivers results.”
Assemblyman Mark Walcyzk said, “A fellow veteran, lawmaker, and proud New Yorker, Congressman Lee Zeldin is ready to lead New York’s comeback and the only choice for governor. Democrats have enjoyed unchecked power during their one-party reign in Albany and have used that power to do incredible damage to our state, pushing through the fantasies of New York City socialists while popular, common-sense policies fell to the wayside. Lee will be a governor who will make sure every New Yorker has a voice in our government and every corner of New York has an equal say.”
Assembly Members Jake Ashby, Karl Brabenec, Joe DeStefano, David DiPietro, Jeff Gallahan, Jarrett Gandolfo, Jodi Giglio, Colin Schmitt, Doug Smith and Chris Tague have previously endorsed Congressman Lee Zeldin for Governor.
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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.