Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin is considering running for governor next year as Gov. Cuomo contends with sexual harassment claims and a federal probe into the state’s handling of nursing home deaths.
Zeldin, representing New York’s 1st Congressional District, became the first high-profile conservative to announce his potential candidacy on Tuesday, saying he’s already discussed the idea with his family.
“With his nursing home cover-up & abuse coming more to light, it’s clear #CuomosGottaGo,” the Long Island lawmaker tweeted.
Cuomo, eyeing a run for a fourth term in 2022, is facing calls for his ouster from both sides of the aisle over sexual harassment allegations made by three women in recent days. Two of his accusers worked for his administration and say he fostered a toxic workplace and made unwanted advances.
With his public proclamation, Zeldin is hoping to become the first Republican to win statewide office in New York in nearly two decades.
The staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump could have a rough road to the Executive Mansion as New York is increasingly an overwhelmingly blue state.
Still, Zeldin said he “can’t sit back as Cuomo attacks our freedoms, our wallets & our safety.”
The four-term Congressman, who previously served in the State Senate, would have to give up his seat in Washington should he decide to officially enter the gubernatorial fray next year.
In recent days, other top-ranking Republican names have been floated as possible challengers against Cuomo, including Rep. Elise Stefanik, who represents a large swath of upstate.
Another potential GOP candidate is Dutchess County executive Marc Molinaro, who mounted a failed bid to unseat Cuomo in 2018.
