The race for the 3rd Congressional District seat currently occupied by Tom Suozzi, like every race for Congress this year, could be crucial in determining how this nation is governed in the next two years.

The Democrats will be entering the general election with a four-vote majority – in a post-presidential election year that usually favors the out-of-power party.

In this case, the likely choice would be to have House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continue to lead Congress or be replaced by current House Minority Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

If anyone needed a reminder of what that means, McCarthy last week all but threatened Attorney General Merrick Garland in response to the FBI executing a legal search warrant of former President Trump’s Florida residence that resulted in finding top secret documents, which if they fell into the wrong hands, could cost American lives.

McCarthy promised that if Republicans take back the chamber after November’s midterm elections, the House would investigate the Department of Justice, telling  Garland to “clear your calendar.”

“I’ve seen enough. The Department of Justice has reached an intolerable state of weaponized politicization,” McCarthy said. “When Republicans take back the House, we will conduct immediate oversight of this department, follow the facts, and leave no stone unturned.”

Enough said.

Standing, in part, against that dismal fate is a crowded field of impressive Democrats running for the 3rd CD, which represents the North Shore of Naassau County and eastern  Queens. The contenders include activist Melanie D’Arrigo, former Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, businesswoman Reema Rasool and Great Neck businessman Robert Zimmerman. 

We strongly endorse Zimmerman based on his experience both as a business owner,  congressional staffer and Democratic committeeman who has for years forcefully and effectively presented his views on national issues, including Republican-friendly Fox News.

In a field in which the candidates generally do not differ dramatically on the issues, Zimmerman offers the best temperament, experience and ability to articulate his point of view to aid the district and be a respected voice in House discussions.

This is reflected in a long list of endorsements that have included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, many past and current members of Congress as well as former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, state Assemblyman Charles Lavine and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

His long career in advocacy also led to his being nominated by President Bill Clinton to serve on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Presidential Commission on the Arts and by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Council on the Humanities.

If elected, Zimmerman would also become the first openly gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens – something that informs his advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues and other rights.

As co-president of ZE Creative Communications, a public relations firm he started 33 years ago with Ron Edelson, he has also worked with both Republicans and Democrats.

A second strong choice in the race is Jon Kaiman, the North Hempstead town supervisor from 2004 through 2013 who is currently the deputy executive for Suffolk County, a position he has held since 2017.

Kaiman has also served as a Nassau County District Court Judge, state adviser for SuperStorm Sandy Recovery, and chairman of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority.

He brings an impressive resume and strong grasp of government issues at the local and state level. He also introduced notable programs such as the town’s 311 call center and Project Independence.

Kaiman doesn’t have the experience in national issues and on occasion was less than diplomatic as town supervisor in handling community objections – a desirable quality for someone running for Congress.

Despite his age, 28, Lafazan already has a relatively long history in government, having been elected to the Syosset Board of Election in his senior year in high school. He was also elected Nassau County’s youngest-ever legislator in 2017.

Lafazan has run a disappointing campaign that has included attacks on opponents that can charitably be called disingenuous. He has also been less than forthcoming when challenged on issues.

When asked by Blank Slate Media who he was referring to in ads that said he would never defund the police – a frequent talking point of Republicans – he declined to answer, saying he would disclose the identity of the person he was referring to at a town hall that night. He didn’t that night or since.

Lafazan has also raised questions about his credentials to promote abortion rights and gun safety measures by seeking and receiving the Conservative Party endorsement in his last two races for the county Legislature. The Conservative Party’s main plank is opposition to abortion. Its second plank is opposition to gun rights legislation.

D’Arrigo, 41, is a progressive activist from Port Washington who previously ran against Suozzi for the same seat in 2020.

She supports Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, campaign finance reform, immigration reform, student loan forgiveness and free public education, among others. Some notable endorsements include the National Organization for Women PAC, Brand New Congress, Her Bold Move, Empire State Indivisible, Moms in Office and Progressive Women of NY, among others.

We think there is merit to parts of what D’Arrigo is calling for but we and we believe most of the district find her views too far to the left.

Rasool, 43, of Jericho has described herself as an activist for women’s rights and supports codifying abortion rights established under Roe v. Wade into law. She is a small-business owner and the founder of Luxe Consulting Group.

But she doesn’t stack up with the other candidates.

With the stakes so high in this year’s House races, Robert Zimmerman is our strong choice.