Lee Zeldin Wins GOP Nomination for NY Governor
Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin clinched the Republican nomination for governor Tuesday, handily winning the party primary against former White House staffer Andrew Giuliani, businessman Harry Wilson and ex-Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino.
“Are we ready to fire Kathy Hochul?” he asked a crowd of supporters as he gave a victory speech just before 11 p.m.
“For us, we believe that public service is about serving the public,” he added. “Kathy Hochul has been acting as if the public has been there to serve her.”
Zeldin held a roughly 43% to 23% lead over Giuliani with more than 60% of the votes counted. Astorino was in third at 19% and Wilson at 15%.
The four-term House member from eastern Long Island entered the race in April 2021, before any of his rivals, helping him obtain big fundraising and endorsement advantages.
Party leaders gave Zeldin, endorsed by the Post Editorial Board, their backing at the GOP state convention held on Long Island earlier this year.
He led most polls throughout the race, including a June 13 survey that showed Zeldin with 34%, compared to 16% for Astorino, 15% for Wilson and 13% for Giuliani.
Rep. Lee Zeldin (R‑NY) speaks during his election night party at the Coral House on June 28, 2022 in Baldwin, …