Two Queens officials have endorsed Robert Zimmerman, the longtime Democratic National Committee member, in his bid to capture the party’s nomination in the 3rd Congressional District, his campaign announced.
Queens Councilwoman Linda Lee and state Assemblyman David Weprin have both pledged their support for the Great Neck resident.
Lee has represented the 23rd Council District in Eastern Queens since November. Currently, she chairs the Council’s Committee on Mental Health, Addictions and Disabilities and is vice chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus.
“Robert Zimmerman is the person we need to represent NY-3 in the United States Congress, because he has the compassion, character, and determination to stand up for all New Yorkers, regardless of their background,” Lee said in a statement. “For years, Robert has worked incredibly hard to support and uplift leaders from communities that are underrepresented in politics, and I’m confident that he will work to ensure every group has a seat at the table when it comes to the issues that affect them the most.”
The councilwoman, whose district office is in Oakland Gardens, went on to say: “As the chair of the Council’s Committee on Mental Health, I know that Robert is passionate about addressing the flaws in our mental health system that prevent people who need care from receiving it, and he believes that every New Yorker deserves to live a safe, dignified and fulfilling life. Robert will make an excellent Member of Congress and I am proud to endorse his candidacy for NY-3.”
Weprin has represented the 24th Assembly District since 2010, when he took over for his brother, Mark.
“I am proud to endorse Robert Zimmerman for the United States Congress. As someone who has served his community in public office, I know that Robert has the drive and tenacity to deliver for the people of Queens and Nassau Counties,” Weprin said in a statement. “Robert will be a champion for our district in Washington, fighting to ensure that we receive the support we need to preserve and enhance our quality of life. Keeping our communities safe, providing our local schools with much needed resources, preserving our open spaces and supporting our vital small businesses are just some examples of where Robert will take the lead for us. I look forward to working with him on these issues and many more when he represents us in Washington. Please join me in supporting Robert Zimmerman for Congress in NY3.”
Zimmerman, 67, is co-president of ZE Creative Communications on Bond Street in Great Neck, a public relations firm he started 33 years ago with Ron Edelson.
The candidate is seeking the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who is running for governor.
If elected, Zimmerman would become the first openly gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens.
Since his announcement this year, Zimmerman’s campaign has raised over $900,000.
Other endorsements for Zimmerman’s campaign have come from former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Assemblyman Charles Lavine and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
Also running for the Democratic nomination in the district’s Aug. 23 primary are former North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan, Melanie D’Arrigo of Port Washington and Oyster Bay’s Reema Rasool.
New district maps were submitted recently by a court-appointed “special master” and have been viewed as more neutral compared to ones that were rejected by a state appeals court several weeks ago.
While the 3rd Congressional District under the new proposal doesn’t extend as far west as the Bronx or Westchester, it does stretch to more southern parts of Nassau County such as Hicksville and Massapequa. The new lines do exclude the parts of the district that now stretch into Suffolk County, mainly Huntington and Smithtown.
George Santos is seeking the Republican nomination.
