Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) announced the launch of his 2022 gubernatorial campaign on Thursday, looking to unseat current Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
“BREAKING: I’m running for Governor of NY in 2022. To save NY, #CuomosGottaGo!” Zeldin tweeted.
“I’ll bring the kind of relentless, fighting spirit towards helping to save our state that Cuomo reserves for multi-million dollar self-congratulatory book deals, cover-ups, abuse & self-dealing,” he added.
Zeldin continued to discuss New York’s pivotal role throughout U.S. history.
“Throughout US history, NY has led the way forward for our country. From Washington leading the Continental Army from Manhattan, to Lincoln’s Cooper Union speech, & the rebuilding of NYC after 9/11, the Empire State has been a beacon of hope, progress & patriotism for 250 yrs,” he said.
Throughout US history, NY has led the way forward for our country. From Washington leading the Continental Army from Manhattan, to Lincoln’s Cooper Union speech, & the rebuilding of NYC after 9/11, the Empire State has been a beacon of hope, progress & patriotism for 250 yrs.
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) April 8, 2021
Zeldin then launched a direct criticism of New York’s one-party rule.
“With 1-party Dem rule in NYC & Albany, the light that was a beacon of what America can be has gone dark. The NY once a magnet for the world’s best & brightest is now forcing its own to leave under the weight of crushing taxes, lost jobs, suffocating regulations, & rising crime,” the congressman tweeted.
Zeldin then moved on to criticize Cuomo specifically, laying the blame for New York’s “downfall” at the feet of the Democrat.
“At the helm of NY’s downfall is Andrew Cuomo, whose deadly nursing home order & cover-up is part of a long line of scandals, lies, & harassment. Cuomo has abused the power & trust granted to him & it’s time for him to immediately exit stage left,” Zeldin continued.
At the helm of NY’s downfall is Andrew Cuomo, whose deadly nursing home order & cover-up is part of a long line of scandals, lies, & harassment. Cuomo has abused the power & trust granted to him & it's time for him to immediately exit stage left.
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) April 8, 2021
Zeldin concluded, saying that “I’m ready to go all in on this mission and bring New York back from the brink and return it to glory.”
“For many, this feels like a last stand to save our state,” Zeldin added. “Losing is not an option!”
“Zeldin becomes the first Republican to launch a challenge against New York’s embattled three-term Democratic governor, who faces allegations of sexual harassment from 10 female accusers, which has triggered an independent investigation by the state attorney general and an impeachment investigation in the State Assembly. Cuomo’s also facing a federal probe into the state’s handling of COVID deaths at nursing homes amid the coronavirus pandemic,” reported Fox News.
Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” Zeldin said, “We can’t get complacent.”
Regarding those who are “fleeing” the state in response to both COVID-19 and ever-rising taxes, Zeldin responded, “Let’s stay here. Let’s fight. Let’s return New York to its glory.”
“I love this state. I’m still here. We need to turn it around,” Zeldin continued. “People are going to flee every single day until we do.”
“Everyone, everywhere across this state needs to come together as New Yorkers,” Zeldin said.
The Daily Wire reported in February that “Republican Representative Lee Zeldin of New York ‘is being encouraged by Republicans to run next year against Gov. Andrew Cuomo.’”