Lee Michael Zeldin born January 30, 1980 is an American attorney, politician, and U.S. Army Reserve officer. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the U.S. Representative for New York’s 1st congressional district from 2015 to 2023. His district included the eastern two-thirds of Suffolk County, covering most of Smithtown, all of Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southold, Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island, and part of Islip. Prior to his time in Congress, Zeldin served as a member of the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2014, representing the 3rd Senate district.
Lee Zeldin Biography 2024
Zeldin was a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, defending him during his first impeachment hearings related to the Trump–Ukraine scandal. In April 2021, he announced his candidacy for governor of New York in 2022. After winning the Republican primary, Zeldin became the official nominee of both the Republican and Conservative Parties. Despite his efforts, he lost the election to incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, though he secured the highest percentage of votes for a Republican gubernatorial candidate since 2002 and the highest raw vote total since 1970. In November 2024, CNN reported that Zeldin was selected by Donald Trump as his nominee for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Lee Zeldin Biography Details
| Born | Lee Michael Zeldin January 30, 1980 (age 44)
East Meadow, New York, U.S. |
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| Political party | Republican |
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| Spouse | Diana Gidish |
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| Children | 2 |
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| Relatives | Isaiah Zeldin (uncle) |
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| Education | - University at Albany, SUNY (BA)
- Albany Law School (JD)
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Lee Zeldin Early Life
Zeldin was born in East Meadow, New York, to Merrill Schwartz and David Zeldin. He grew up in Suffolk County, New York, and graduated from William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach in 1998. Zeldin also attended Hebrew school during his childhood. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the SUNY University at Albany in 2001, followed by a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 2003. Zeldin was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2004.
New York State Senate (2011-2014)
Political Role | Points |
Position Held | New York State Senator (3rd District) |
Term | January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2014 |
Key Legislation | Co-sponsored 2% property tax cap |
Votes | Voted against Marriage Equality Act, supported MTA payroll tax cuts |
Military Service | Served as a member of the Army Reserve during his tenure in the Senate |
Political Stance | Conservative, opposed New York Dream Act and Common Core |
U.S. House of Representatives (2015–2023)
Political Role | Facts |
Position Held | U.S. Congressman (1st District of New York) |
Term | January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2023 |
Key Issues | Foreign policy, tax cuts, veterans’ affairs |
Committee Assignments | Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, Oversight and Investigations |
Votes | Supported tax cuts, opposed major gun control legislation |
Gubernatorial Campaign
Political Role | Details |
Position | Candidate for Governor of New York |
Term | 2022 |
Political Stance | Conservative, anti-abortion, pro-law enforcement |
Opposition | Kathy Hochul (Democratic incumbent) |
Outcome | Lost election but received the highest percentage of Republican vote since 2002 |
Political Positions on Key Issues
Political Issue | Position |
Abortion | Opposes abortion; supported overturning Roe v. Wade |
Bail Reform | Opposes New York’s bail reform law; calls for repeal |
Education | Voted to allow states to opt out of Common Core, supports school choice |
Gun Control | Opposes restrictive gun control measures |
Climate Change | Focused on economic solutions to environmental issues |
Military Service History
Service Branch | Details |
Branch | U.S. Army Reserve |
Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Service Dates | 2003–2007 (Active) / 2007-Present (Reserve) |
Specialty | Military Intelligence Corps |
Notable Achievements | Earned rank of Lieutenant Colonel, served on active duty in Iraq |
Legal Career
Career Role | Years |
Law School | Albany Law School (Juris Doctor, 2003) |
Bar Admission | New York State Bar (2004) |
Legal Practice | Founded a law firm in Smithtown, NY; attorney at Port Authority of NY/NJ |
Specializations | General practice, government law |
Electoral History Key Elections
Election Year | Election | Result |
2008 | U.S. House District 1 | Lost to Tim Bishop |
2014 | U.S. House District 1 | Won, defeating Tim Bishop |
2016 | U.S. House District 1 | Re-elected, defeated Anna Throne-Holst |
2018 | U.S. House District 1 | Re-elected, defeated Perry Gershon |
2020 | U.S. House District 1 | Re-elected, defeated Nancy Goroff |
Committees and Caucus Memberships
Committee Name | Details |
Foreign Affairs | Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa |
Financial Services | Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance |
Climate Caucus | Member of Conservative Climate Caucus, Climate Solutions Caucus |
Veterans Affairs | PFC Joseph Dwyer PTSD Peer-to-Peer Support Program |
Israel Caucus | Co-chair of House Republican Israel Caucus |
Personal Life and Background
Personal Detail | Information |
Birthdate | January 30, 1980 |
Place of Birth | East Meadow, New York |
Family | Married to Diana Gidish, father of identical twin daughters |
Religious Background | Raised in Jewish faith, married a Mormon |
Notable Relatives | Grandson of Rabbi Abraham Jacob Zeldin, great-uncle Isaiah Zeldin |
Lee Zeldin Net Worth
Zeldin is estimated to have a net worth ranging from $2 to $3 million.
Lee Zeldin Summary
Lee Zeldin is a notable Republican figure in New York’s political scene, with a background in law and military service. His tenure as a U.S. Congressman, State Senator, and gubernatorial candidate reflects his conservative stances on issues like abortion, crime, and education. Despite a loss in the 2022 gubernatorial race, Zeldin remains influential, especially in the context of national environmental policy, following his nomination by Donald Trump as the next Administrator of the EPA. His political legacy is shaped by his strong alignment with Trump-era policies, his vocal opposition to bail reform, and his defense of traditional values.
