The campaign for longtime Democratic National Committee member Robert Zimmerman announced the endorsement from the LGBTQ Victory Fund as well as Town of Hungtington officials as he bids for his party’s nomination in the 3rd Congressional District.
Zimmerman, of Great Neck, has gained support from the Victory Fund, Jillian Guthman, Huntington’s receiver of taxes and Frank Petrone, the former supervisor for Huntington.
To be endorsed by the Victory Fund, candidates must be openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer and be pro-choice, support the rights of transgenders and advocate for LGBTQ civil rights, among other things.
Zimmerman said that he will be dedicated advocating for the LGBTQ community whenevr possible.
“I am honored and proud that Victory Fund, a national leader in advancing LGBTQ representation in politics, has endorsed our campaign,” said Zimmerman in a statement. “We are living in an era where bias, crimes and acts of violence against the LGBTQ community are rising yearly and anti-trans legislation is being advanced by state legislatures across our country at unprecedented speed. In Congress, I will be dedicated to fighting back against anti-LGBTQ bigotry whenever it occurs, and protecting our rights and dignity as the first openly LGBTQ Member of Congress from Long Island and Queens.”
Guthman said Zimmerman will put people first.
“Our communities need leadership in Washington that will put the people first,” Guthman said in a statement. “Robert is that leader, and that is why I am endorsing his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives. Robert has been an outspoken advocate locally for our communities and nationally on issues impacting women, our seniors, the education of our children, veterans, and much more. As an attorney, I understand the critical importance of the rule of law, and defending our institutions and our voting rights. I know Robert will be the champion we need in Congress.”
Petrone, who says he has known Zimmerman for years, says the candidate will be a stalwart advocate for the environment.
“I proudly endorse Robert Zimmerman for Congress,” Petrone said. “I have known Robert for many years and know his sincerity and work ethic. He will stand with the residents of the Town of Huntington and the Third Congressional District in Washington, DC as a stalwart advocate for preserving our environment, open spaces and the Long Island Sound ecosystem. Robert will prioritize upgrading our infrastructure and investing in workforce development to combat climate change and the other challenges that lay ahead. Robert will be a unifying voice and consensus builder for the Democratic Party and in our government. Please join me in supporting my friend Robert Zimmerman.”
Zimmerman, 67, is co-president of ZE Creative Communications on Bond Street in Great Neck, a public relations firm he began 33 years ago with Ron Edelson.
He is seeking the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who is running for governor.
Since his announcement, Zimmerman’s campaign said it has raised over $500,000.
If elected, Zimmerman would become the first gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens.
Other endorsements for Zimmerman’s campaign include former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Assemblyman Charles Lavine and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
According to newly drawn lines, the 3rd Congressional District will include several areas in Westchester County and the Bronx along with Manhasset, Roslyn, Port Washington, Great Neck, Floral Park, and Whitestone, Queens, among other areas, and stretches to Kings Park in Suffolk County.
Following the approval of new congressional maps by state legislators, a Republican-led group filed a lawsuit claiming the Democrats gerrymandered the districts to retain control of the House.
Others running for the Democratic nomination in the district include former North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan, state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, Oyster Bay’s Reema Rasool and Melanie D’Arrigo of Port Washington.
The Democratic congressional primary is slated for June 28.
George Santos and Kevin Surdi are seeking the Republican nomination.
