:Lee Zeldin

Zeldin was born in East Meadow, New York, the son of Merrill Schwartz and David Zeldin.{{cite web|last=Civiletti|first=Denise|url=https://riverheadlocal.com/2017/01/04/rep-lee-zeldin-sworn-second-term/|title=Rep. Lee Zeldin sworn in to second term|date=January 4, 2017|work=riverheadlocal.com|access-date=January 19, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/new-members-guide-2014/223737-rep-elect-lee-zeldin-r-ny-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128000011/http://thehill.com/new-members-guide-2014/223737-rep-elect-lee-zeldin-r-ny-01|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 28, 2014|title=Rep.-elect Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.-01)|first=Ashley|last=Perks|date=November 12, 2014|website=TheHill}} He was raised in Suffolk County, New York,{{Cite web |title=Zeldin for New York |url=https://zeldinfornewyork.com/platform/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Zeldin for New York |language=en-US}} and graduated from William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach, New York, in 1998.{{Cite web|url=http://projects.newsday.com/voters-guide/profile/lee-m-zeldin|title=Lee M. Zeldin {{!}} General Election, November 6, 2018|website=Newsday|language=en|access-date=October 22, 2019}} He also attended Hebrew school.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-lone-republican-jew-in-congress-speaks-up-1.5369091|title=The Lone Republican Jew in Congress: 'Iran Is Playing Our President Like a String Quartet'|date=June 3, 2015|work=Haaretz|access-date=October 22, 2019|language=en}}

Zeldin received a bachelor's degree in political science from the SUNY University at Albany in 2001.{{Cite web|url=http://riverheadlocal.com/2014/11/03/hotly-contested-expensive-bishop-zeldi-congressional-race-draws-to-a-close/|title=Hotly contested — and very expensive — congressional race draws to a close|last=Civiletti|first=Denise|date=November 3, 2014|website=RiverheadLOCAL|language=en-US|access-date=October 22, 2019}} He received a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in May 2003. In 2004, he was admitted to the New York State Bar.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/At-29-Mr-Carlucci-goes-to-Albany-932020.php|title=At 29, Mr. Carlucci goes to Albany|last=Lee|first=Stephanie|date=January 3, 2011|website=Times Union|access-date=October 22, 2019}}

Zeldin received an Army ROTC commission as a second lieutenant, and served in the United States Army from 2003 to 2007,{{Cite web|url=http://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/lee-zeldin-what-jew-need-to-know/|title=Lee Zeldin: What Jew Need To Know|last=Kook|first=Elana|website=The Times of Israel|date=November 6, 2014|language=en-US|access-date=October 22, 2019}} first in the Military Intelligence Corps. In 2007, he transitioned from active duty to the Army Reserve, where he achieved the rank{{when|date=February 2025}} of lieutenant colonel before his retirement on April 30, 2025.{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |date=2022-06-29 |title=Lee Zeldin named winner in NY Governor Republican primary |url=https://www.mynbc5.com/article/new-york-primary-election-results-winners-governor-republican-primary/40449022 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=WPTZ |language=en}}

In 2007, Zeldin became an attorney for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=Z000017|title=ZELDIN, Lee M - Biographical Information|website=bioguide.congress.gov}} In 2008, he started a general-practice law firm in Smithtown, New York. He operated it full-time until he was elected to New York's 3rd State Senate district in 2010.

In 2010, Zeldin ran in the New York State Senate's 3rd District, challenging Democratic incumbent Brian X. Foley. Zeldin defeated Foley with 57% of the vote.{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2010/general/2010NYSenateRecertified09122012.pdf |title=Recertified 2010 New York State Senate Election Results |website=Elections.NY.gov |access-date=January 15, 2022}} Zeldin was reelected in 2012, defeating Democrat Francis Genco with 56% of the vote.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2012/General/NYSSD_07292013.pdf|title=New York State Senate Election Results, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2022}}

In January 2011, a bill co-sponsored by Zeldin that provided for a 2% property tax cap to become law.{{cite news|last1=Civiletti|first1=Denise|title=Hotly contested — and very expensive — congressional race draws to a close|url=http://riverheadlocal.com/2014/11/03/hotly-contested-expensive-bishop-zeldi-congressional-race-draws-to-a-close|access-date=June 20, 2016|work=Riverhead Local|date=November 3, 2014}}

In June 2011, Zeldin voted against the Marriage Equality Act, which the Senate passed 33–29.{{cite web |last1=Johnston |first1=Garth |title=FINALLY: NY State Senate Passes Gay Marriage |url=https://gothamist.com/news/finally-ny-state-senate-passes-gay-marriage |website=Gothamist |access-date=May 31, 2022 |date=June 24, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/a8354-2011|title=A8354-2011 – NY Senate Open Legislation – Enacts the Marriage Equality Act relating to ability of individuals to marry – New York State Senate|work=nysenate.gov|access-date=February 20, 2015}} Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/nyregion/gay-marriage-approved-by-new-york-senate.html|title=New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming Largest State to Pass Law|first1=Nicholas|last1=Confessore|first2=Michael|last2=Barbaro|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 25, 2011}} In a statement after the bill passed, Zeldin said: "It is my belief that marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman."{{cite news |last1=Lavers |first1=Michael |title=Fire Islanders Celebrate Passage of Marriage Equality Bill |url=https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/story.php?122206 |access-date=April 12, 2021 |work=Fire Island News |date=July 19, 2011}}

In December 2011, Zeldin supported a $250 million cut to the MTA payroll tax.{{cite news|last1=Hamilton|first1=Colby|title=NY Governor Cuomo Signs MTA Tax Reduction Into Law|url=http://www.wnyc.org/story/283886-ny-governor-cuomo-signs-mta-tax-reduction-into-law|access-date=June 20, 2016|publisher=WNYC|date=December 12, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Long Island Officials Lobby To Eliminate MTA Payroll Tax|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/02/03/long-island-officials-lobby-to-eliminate-mta-payroll-tax|access-date=June 20, 2016|publisher=CBS New York|date=February 3, 2012}}

In March 2012, Zeldin helped to create the PFC Joseph Dwyer PTSD Peer-to-Peer Veterans Support program; funding for the program was included in the 2012–13 New York State Budget.{{cite news|last1=Fertoli|first1=Annmarie|title=4 New York Counties Set to Receive Funding for Vets Peer Pilot Program|url=http://www.wnyc.org/story/197867-four-new-york-counties-receive-funding-vets-pilot-programs|access-date=April 28, 2016|publisher=WNYC News|date=April 8, 2012}}{{cite news|last1=LaRocco|first1=Paul|title=Suffolk: Bellone credits Zeldin on state PTSD program|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/spin-cycle-1.812042/suffolk-bellone-credits-zeldin-on-state-ptsd-program-1.6250087|access-date=June 26, 2014|work=Newsday|date=October 14, 2013}}

Zeldin did not vote on the NY SAFE Act, a gun control bill that passed the New York State Senate on January 14, 2013,{{cite web|url=http://votesmart.org/bill/15977/42092/110252/establishes-secure-ammunition-and-firearms-enforcement#.U0ymJVcvmSo|title=Project Vote Smart – The Voter's Self Defense System|work=Project Vote Smart|access-date=February 20, 2015}} and later became law.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Six-years-later-key-SAFE-Act-database-undone-14281698.php|title=Six years later, key SAFE Act database undone|first=Chris|last=Bragg|date=August 5, 2019|newspaper=Times Union}} He missed the vote because he was in Virginia on Army Reserve duty.{{Cite news|url=https://riverheadlocal.com/2019/08/06/zeldin-on-gun-control-a-flawed-system-that-democrat-sponsored-bills-wont-fix/|title=Zeldin on gun control: a 'flawed system' that Democrat-sponsored bills won't fix|first=Denise|last=Civiletti|newspaper=Riverhead Local|date=August 6, 2019}} In a statement released to the press after the vote, he said he would have voted against the measure.{{cite news|last1=Bonner|first1=Ryan|title=Zeldin Releases Statement on Gun Legislation|url=http://patch.com/new-york/patchogue/zeldin-releases-statement-on-gun-legislation|access-date=September 27, 2016|newspaper=Patchogue Patch|date=January 15, 2013}}

In February 2014, Zeldin introduced a bill that sought to halt implementation of the Common Core curriculum for three years.{{cite news|last1=Franchi|first1=Jaime|title=Common Core Adjustments Do Not Go Far Enough, Blast Opponents|url=https://www.longislandpress.com/2014/02/16/common-core-adjustments-do-not-go-far-enough-say-opponents|access-date=September 27, 2016|newspaper=Long Island Press|date=February 16, 2014}}

In March 2014, Zeldin voted against the New York Dream Act, which would allow undocumented students who meet in-state tuition requirements to obtain financial aid to study at the university level.{{cite news|last1=Ramirez|first1=David|title=New York Dream Act Proponents Increase Pressure On Governor Cuomo To Provide Budget Support|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/31/dream-act-new-york-cuomo-budget_n_1390326.html|access-date=June 26, 2014|website=Huffington Post|date=March 31, 2012}}

{{See also|2008 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 1}}

In 2008, Zeldin challenged incumbent representative Tim Bishop in New York's 1st congressional district. Bishop defeated Zeldin 58%–42%.{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=389429|title=Our Campaigns – NY – District 01 Race|date=November 4, 2008|work=ourcampaigns.com|access-date=February 20, 2015}}

{{See also|2014 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 1}}

On October 6, 2013, Zeldin announced he would again seek the Republican nomination to run against Bishop.{{cite news|last1=Brand|first1=Rick|title=Zeldin to challenge Bishop for House seat|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/zeldin-to-challenge-bishop-for-house-seat-1.6208531|access-date=September 27, 2016|work=Newsday|date=October 6, 2013}}{{Cite news |last=Pinciaro |first=Joseph |date=October 7, 2013 |title=Zeldin earns GOP support to challenge Bishop |url=https://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2013/10/zeldin-earns-gop-support-for-2014-congressional-run-against-bishop/ |work=The Suffolk Times}} His state senate district included much of the congressional district's western portion.

Zeldin defeated George Demos in the Republican primary{{cite news|last1=Gannon|first1=Tim|last2=Pinciaro|first2=Joseph|title=Zeldin tops Demos, will face Bishop this fall|url=http://riverheadnewsreview.timesreview.com/2014/06/55552/zeldin-holds-early-lead-in-gop-primary|access-date=September 27, 2016|work=Riverhead News-Review|date=June 24, 2014}} and ran unopposed for the Conservative Party nomination in the June 24 primary. On November 4, he defeated Bishop with 54% of the vote.{{cite news|last1=LaRocco|first1=Paul|title=Lee Zeldin Defeats Tim Bishop|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/lee-zeldin-defeats-tim-bishop-kathleen-rice-wins-over-bruce-blakeman-for-congress-1.9585683|access-date=November 10, 2014|work=Newsday|date=November 5, 2014}}{{cite news|first1=Grant|last1=Parpan|first2=Joseph|last2=Pinciaro|first3=Tim|last3=Gannon|first4=Jen|last4=Nuzzo|first5=Cyndi|last5=Murray|url=http://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2014/11/53586/live-election-results-tonight-for-bishop-zeldin-southold-trustee|title=Zeldin defeats Bishop as Suffolk GOP wins big on Election Day|newspaper=The Suffolk Times|date=November 4, 2014|access-date=February 2, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/elections/2014/general/2014Congress.pdf|title=Rep. in Congress Election Returns November 4, 2014|publisher=New York State Board of Elections}}

{{See also|2016 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 1}}

In February 2015, the National Republican Congressional Committee announced that Zeldin was one of 12 members in the Patriot Program, a program designed to help protect vulnerable Republican incumbents in the 2016 election.{{cite web|url=http://atr.rollcall.com/nrcc-patriot-program-2016/|title=Exclusive: NRCC Announces 12 Members in Patriot Program|work=Roll Call: At the Races|access-date=February 5, 2016|archive-date=February 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204121209/http://atr.rollcall.com/nrcc-patriot-program-2016/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Hohmann|first1=James|last2=Viebeck|first2=Elise|title=The Daily 202: Contract with the NRCC — The deal GOPers make to get reelected|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/09/03/the-daily-202-contract-with-the-nrcc-the-deal-gopers-make-to-get-reelected|access-date=February 5, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=September 3, 2015}}

In the 2016 Republican primary, Zeldin faced no opposition. In the November 8 general election, he faced Democratic nominee Anna Throne-Holst, a member of the Southampton Town Board.{{cite news|last1=Pathé|first1=Simone|title=Throne-Holst Will Challenge New York's Lee Zeldin|url=http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/democrats-new-york-house-zeldin-throne-holst-calone|access-date=July 10, 2016|publisher=Roll Call|date=July 8, 2016}} Zeldin won with 58% of the vote.{{cite web|url=http://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2016/11/71661/live-results-zeldin-throne-holst-election-day-2016-ny-cd-1/|title=On night of Trump win, Zeldin makes history|work=Suffolk Times |date=November 8, 2016|access-date=November 10, 2016}}

File:Lee Zeldin new official portrait.jpg]]

{{See also|2018 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 1}}

Zeldin ran unopposed in the 2018 Republican primary. In the November general election his chief opponent was Democratic nominee Perry Gershon, who also had the endorsement of the Working Families Party.{{Cite news|url=https://riverheadnewsreview.timesreview.com/2018/06/88049/perry-gershon-prevails-in-democratic-primary-will-challenge-lee-zeldin/|title=Perry Gershon prevails in Democratic primary; will challenge Lee Zeldin|first1=Kelly|last1=Zegers|first2=Joe|last2=Werkmeister|newspaper=Riverhead News-Review|date=June 26, 2018|access-date=February 17, 2022}}

Zeldin's 2018 campaign featured fundraisers with Breitbart News founder Steve Bannon{{cite news |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/lee-zeldin-bannon-fundraiser-1.15455171 |title=Steve Bannon's appearance at Lee Zeldin fundraiser draws protests |first=Matthew |last=Chayes |work=Newsday|date=December 15, 2017 |access-date=August 22, 2020}} and Sebastian Gorka. At the Gorka event, reporters from local news outlets were removed.{{cite web|url=https://riverheadlocal.com/2018/07/29/assault-on-the-press-hits-close-to-home/ |title=Assault on the press hits close to home |last=Grossman |first=Karl |website=Riverhead Local |date=July 29, 2018 |access-date=August 22, 2020}}

Zeldin defeated Gershon, 51.5%–47.4%.{{cite web|url=https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2018/house/ny/new_york_1st_district_zeldin_vs_gershon-6383.html|title=New York 1st District - Zeldin vs. Gershon|work=Real Clear Politics|access-date=December 11, 2018}}

{{See also|2020 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 1}}

Zeldin ran unopposed in the Republican primary. In the November 3 general election, he defeated Democratic nominee Nancy Goroff,{{Cite web|first=Michael|last=Gormley|date=November 30, 2020|url=https://www.newsday.com/news/nation/zeldin-goroff-congress-absentee-1.50078695|title=Zeldin wins after thousands of mailed ballots counted|website=Newsday}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.ny.gov/2020ElectionResults.html|title=2020 Election Results |publisher=New York State Board of Elections|website=www.elections.ny.gov}} 54.9%–45.1%.{{Cite web|url=https://www.easthamptonstar.com/government/20201210/suffolk-election-results-finally-official|title=Suffolk Election Results Finally Official|newspaper=The East Hampton Star|first=Christopher|last=Walsh|date=December 10, 2020}}

File:Lee Zeldin and Jerome Powell.jpg in 2019]]

In May 2015, Zeldin voted for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, a bill he co-sponsored, which would prohibit abortions in cases where the fetus's probable age is 20 weeks or more, with exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or if the mother's life was in danger. The act would also impose criminal penalties on doctors who violated the ban.{{cite news |last1=Brand |first1=Rick |title=Emily's List declares Zeldin 'on notice' for 2016; Rep. responds |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/emily-s-list-declares-rep-zeldin-on-notice-for-2016-k15807 |access-date=May 10, 2022 |work=Newsday |date=June 1, 2015}} It did not pass.

On September 18, 2015, Zeldin voted for the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015,{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/3134|title=H.R.3134|work=congress.gov|date=September 22, 2015|access-date=March 2, 2016}} a bill that would defund the nonprofit organization Planned Parenthood for one year unless the organization agreed not to provide abortion services.{{cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Robert |title=How They Voted: House passes bill to defund Planned Parenthood; Katko, Hanna split on vote |url=https://auburnpub.com/blogs/eye_on_ny/how-they-voted-house-passes-bill-to-defund-planned-parenthood/article_d48b67aa-5e25-11e5-917b-e3315121bff3.html |access-date=March 2, 2016 |work=The Citizen |date=September 19, 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Merrill|first1=Kitty|title=Throne-Holst On The Offensive|url=http://www.indyeastend.com/Articles-News-i-2015-09-23-120005.113117-ThroneHolst-On-The-offensive.html|url-status=dead|access-date=March 2, 2016|work=The Independent|date=September 23, 2015|archive-date=September 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930230844/http://www.indyeastend.com/Articles-News-i-2015-09-23-120005.113117-ThroneHolst-On-The-Offensive.html}}

In January 2020, Zeldin joined an amicus curiae brief encouraging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Christopher |title=Zeldin Joins Call to Overturn Roe v. Wade |url=https://www.easthamptonstar.com/government/202019/zeldin-joins-call-to-overturn-roe-v-wade |access-date=October 15, 2022 |work=The East Hampton Star |date=January 9, 2020}}

In July 2015, Zeldin attached an amendment to the Student Success Act to allow states to opt out of Common Core without penalty.{{cite web|first=Jessica|last=Bakeman|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2015/03/zeldin-begins-with-an-anti-common-core-amendment-020148|title=Zeldin begins with an anti-Common Core amendment|date=March 3, 2015|access-date=November 4, 2022|work=Politico}} The amendment was passed and signed into law.{{Cite web|url=http://riverheadlocal.com/2015/12/03/education-bill-with-zeldin-amendment-to-allow-states-to-opt-out-of-common-core-passes-congress/|title=Zeldin Common Core amendment to education bill passes|first=Denise|last=Civiletti|work=Riverhead Local|date=December 3, 2015}}

In 2014, he "expressed doubts about the severity" of climate change.{{Cite news |date=2024-11-11 |title=Trump Chooses Lee Zeldin to Run E.P.A. as He Plans to Gut Climate Rules |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/11/climate/trump-chooses-lee-zeldin-to-run-epa.html |access-date=2024-11-17 |last1=Davenport |first1=Coral |last2=Friedman |first2=Lisa }}

In April 2015, Zeldin and Senator Chuck Schumer introduced the Fluke Fairness Act. The bill would have changed the current system for managing fluke fishing quotas by creating a regional approach to updating quotas and standards based on geographic, scientific, and economic data.{{Cite web|url=http://riverheadlocal.com/2015/04/25/federal-fluke-fairness-act-would-correct-inequitable-treatment-of-l-i-anglers-schumer-zeldin/|title=Schumer, Zeldin introduce 'Fluke Fairness Act'|first=Denise|last=Civiletti|date=April 25, 2015}} It did not pass.{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1107|title=S.1107 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): Fluke Fairness Act of 2015|first=Charles|last=Schumer|authorlink=Charles Schumer|date=April 28, 2015|website=congress.gov|language=en|access-date=September 22, 2018}}

On July 15, 2015, Zeldin introduced the Exclusive Economic Zone Clarification Act.{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/3070|title=H.R.3070|work=congress.gov|access-date=March 3, 2016}} The bill proposed to amend the boundary in part of the federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It would give fisheries management of Block Island Sound exclusively to New York and Rhode Island. (Some Connecticut fishermen alleged that the bill could put them out of business.){{cite web|url=http://wtnh.com/2016/02/15/proposed-bill-could-put-connecticut-fishermen-out-of-business|title=Bill in Congress could hurt Connecticut fishermen, and fish|access-date=February 27, 2015|work=WTNH}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/long-island-sound-discontent-fishing-rights-push-37220874|title=On Long Island Sound, Discord Over Push for Fishing Rights|access-date=March 3, 2016|work=ABC News}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}} The bill died in committee.{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/3070/text|title=Text - H.R.3070 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): EEZ Transit Zone Clarification and Access Act|last=Lee|first=Zeldin|date=June 8, 2016|website=congress.gov|language=en|access-date=September 22, 2018}}

In September 2015, Zeldin and Citizens Campaign for the Environment executive director Adrienne Esposito condemned a proposed federal plan for dumping dredged materials, saying, "We can't just assume that dumping these waste spoils in the Long Island Sound is environmentally benign."{{cite web|last1=Blasl|first1=Katie|title=Long Island Sound is 'not a landfill', say environmentalists opposed to open water waste dumping plan|url=http://www.riverheadlocal.com/2015/09/17/long-island-sound-is-not-a-landfill-say-environmentalists-opposed-to-open-water-waste-dumping-plan|access-date=March 3, 2016|website=Riverhead Local|date=September 17, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Rep. Zeldin joins call to halt Sound dumping|url=http://longisland.news12.com/news/rep-zeldin-joins-call-to-halt-dredged-sediment-dumping-in-long-island-sound-1.10852637|access-date=March 3, 2016|publisher=News12 LongIsland|date=September 16, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093625/http://longisland.news12.com/news/rep-zeldin-joins-call-to-halt-dredged-sediment-dumping-in-long-island-sound-1.10852637|url-status=dead}}

In April 2018, Zeldin said he did not support the Paris Agreement in its form. He expressed concern about "other countries that are contributing to very adverse impacts on our climate but not having the level of responsibility that they need to have in stepping up and making a positive change in their own countries".[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2018-04-25/rep-zeldin-says-u-s-should-be-willing-to-decertify-iran-deal-video Rep. Zeldin Says U.S. Should Be Willing to Decertify Iran Deal] Bloomberg April 25, 2018

File:Zeldin The Congressional Delegation meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (cropped).png, 2018]]

In January 2016, the New York Post reported that Zeldin was a no-show in 2015 at 12 of 18 House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearings that dealt specifically with ISIL and with Syria.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/spin-cycle/rep-lee-zeldin-s-hearing-absences-draw-fire-from-rivals-1.11347327?pts=474522|title=Rep. Lee Zeldin's hearing absences draw fire from rivals|work=Newsday|date=January 21, 2016 |access-date=January 31, 2016}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}}

In February 2016, Zeldin and Representatives Mike Pompeo and Frank LoBiondo sought visas to travel to Iran to check the country's compliance with the Iran nuclear deal framework.{{cite news|last1=Brune|first1=Tom|title=Rep. Lee Zeldin seeks Iran visa to check on nuke compliance|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/rep-lee-zeldin-seeks-iran-visa-to-check-on-nuke-compliance-1.11430362|access-date=February 26, 2016|work=Newsday|date=February 4, 2016}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}}{{cite news|last1=Nicholas|first1=Elizabeth|title=Meeting the Tea Party in Tehran|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/elizabeth-nicholas/meeting-the-tea-party-in-_b_9311336.html|access-date=February 27, 2016|work=Huffington Post|date=February 25, 2016}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}} In June 2016, Iran called the request a "publicity stunt" and said it would deny the visas.{{cite news|last1=Vahdat|first1=Amir|title=Iran says US congressmen can't visit amid nuclear deal row|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/24bf91854009440cb610828c1d5a38dd/iran-says-us-congressmen-cant-visit-amid-nuclear-deal-row|access-date=June 16, 2016|agency=Associated Press|date=June 7, 2016}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}}

Zeldin has said that Israel is "America's strongest ally" and that Congress must "protect Israel's right to self-defense".{{dead link|date=May 2025}} In 2016, he spoke in support of the anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) legislation that passed the New York State Senate. In March 2017, he co-sponsored a bipartisan bill in the House, the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, to oppose boycotts of Israel and "further combat the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement".{{cite web |date=March 24, 2017 |title=Bipartisan Bill Against Israel Boycotts Introduced in House of Representatives |url=http://www.thetower.org/4773-bipartisan-bill-against-israel-boycotts-introduced-in-house-of-representatives/ |website=The Tower}} He supported the Trump administration's decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018 as part of the United States recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel.{{Cite web |date=May 15, 2018 |title=Congressman Lee Zeldin Attends Opening Of U.S. Embassy In Israel |url=https://www.27east.com/southampton-press/congressman-lee-zeldin-attends-opening-of-u-s-embassy-in-israel-1447716/}}

Zeldin spoke highly of the Abraham Accords and nominated Jared Kushner and Avi Berkowitz for a Nobel Peace Prize for their work on the agreement.{{Cite web |date=February 14, 2022 |title=Lee Zeldin nominates Jared Kushner and Avi Berkowitz for Nobel Peace Prize for work on Abraham Accords |url=https://stljewishlight.org/news/world-news/lee-zeldin-nominates-jared-kushner-and-avi-berkowitz-for-nobel-peace-prize-for-work-on-abraham-accords/ |access-date=February 14, 2022 |website=St. Louis Jewish Light}}

Amid the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zeldin was one of 963 Americans the Russian Foreign Ministry banned from entering Russia.{{Cite web |title=Complete list of 963 Americans banned from Russia forever. Hunter Biden, Bob Casey, AOC, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and a few deceased included |url=https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/complete-list-of-963-americans-banned-from-russia-forever-hunter-biden-bob-casey-aoc-marjorie/article_e0033b8f-2eca-541a-90d5-a4915fb2c800.html |date=May 24, 2022|access-date=June 9, 2022 |website=Hazleton Standard Speaker |language=en}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}}

In 2015, Zeldin co-sponsored two bills in Congress to combat Lyme disease, the Tick-Borne Disease Research and Accountability and Transparency Act of 2015{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/789/cosponsors|title=H.R.789|work=congress.gov|date=February 6, 2015|access-date=March 2, 2016}} and the 21st Century Cures Act.{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/6/cosponsors|title=H.R.6|work=congress.gov|date=July 13, 2015|access-date=March 2, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2015/09/62315/grossman-column-time-to-legislate-against-lyme-disease|title=Grossman Column: Time to legislate against Lyme disease|date=September 20, 2015|publisher=The Suffolk Times|last1=Grossman|first1=Karl|access-date=March 2, 2016}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}}

On May 4, 2017, Zeldin voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and pass the American Health Care Act.{{cite news|url=https://www.longislandadvance.net/4419/Zeldin-votes-to-repeal-Affordable-Care-Act |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905215014/https://www.longislandadvance.net/4419/Zeldin-votes-to-repeal-Affordable-Care-Act |title=Zeldin votes to repeal Affordable Care Act|last1=Smith|first1=Tara| date=May 11, 2017 |access-date=May 15, 2017 |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |work=Long Island Advance}}{{cite news|first1=Kim|last1=Soffen|first2=Darla|last2=Cameron|first3=Kevin|last3=Uhrmacher|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/ahca-house-vote|date=May 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504203121/https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/ahca-house-vote/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 4, 2017|title=How the House voted to pass the GOP health-care bill|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=May 4, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/04/politics/house-health-care-vote/index.html|title=How every member voted on health care bill|website=CNN|date=May 5, 2017|access-date=May 5, 2017}}

According to an April 2020 announcement by Zeldin, he helped Suffolk County obtain more than 1.2 million pieces of personal protective equipment from the White House for Suffolk County to aid workers against the COVID-19 pandemic, after conversations with Jared Kushner.{{Cite web|title=Nurses at two Catholic hospitals want more protective gear|url=https://www.newsday.com/news/health/coronavirus/covid-19-hospital-gown-1.43891679|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=Newsday|date=April 17, 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Peterson|first=Oliver|title=White House Sent Desperately Needed PPE to Suffolk at Zeldin's Request|url=https://www.danspapers.com/2020/04/white-house-sends-suffolk-county-masks-zeldin-request/|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=www.danspapers.com|date=April 6, 2020|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|last=Sampson|first=Christine|title=Zeldin Intercedes With White House on County's Behalf|newspaper=The East Hampton Star|url=https://www.easthamptonstar.com/villages-health/202045/zeldin-intercedes-white-house-countys-behalf|access-date=November 12, 2021|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Bolger|first=Timothy|date=August 27, 2020|title=Zeldin Endorses Trump's Re-election in RNC Speech|url=https://www.longislandpress.com/2020/08/27/zeldin-endorses-trumps-re-election-in-rnc-speech/|access-date=November 12, 2021|newspaper=Long Island Press|language=en-US}}

After Governor Kathy Hochul imposed a vaccination mandate on healthcare workers, Zeldin criticized Stony Brook University Hospital for firing employees who declined to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and for using incendiary language in termination letters to those employees.{{Cite web|last=Lyons|first=Brendan J.|date=October 26, 2021|title=Zeldin takes aim at SUNY for its actions against unvaccinated healthcare workers|url=https://www.timesunion.com/capitol/article/Zeldin-takes-aim-at-SUNY-for-its-actions-against-16565999.php|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=Times Union|language=en-US}} He also opposes mask mandates{{Cite web|date=June 2, 2021|title=Rep. Zeldin Holds Anti-Mask Mandate Rally In Long Island|url=https://www.wshu.org/news/2021-06-02/rep-zeldin-holds-anti-mask-mandate-rally-in-long-island|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=WSHU|language=en}} and COVID-19 vaccine mandates for schoolchildren.{{Cite web|first=Nick|last=Reisman|title=Rep. Lee Zeldin opposes mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for kids|url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2021/10/01/zeldin-opposes-mandatory-covid-vaccines-for-kids|date=October 1, 2021|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=Spectrum Local News|language=en}}

Zeldin voted against both the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on July 1, 2021,{{Cite web |date=July 1, 2021 |title=FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 208 |url=https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2021/roll208.xml |access-date=June 20, 2022 |website=Clerk of the United States House of Representatives}} and the Senate amendment to it on November 5, 2021.{{cite news |last1=Brune |first1=Tom |title=Rice details impasse that almost derailed vote on infrastructure bill, and how it was solved |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/infrastructure-bill-long-island-delegation-1.50413528 |access-date=November 19, 2021 |work=Newsday |date=November 6, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Montague |first2=Zach |title=In Infrastructure Votes, 19 Members Broke With Their Party |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/06/us/politics/defectors-infrastructure-bill-squad.html |access-date=November 19, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=November 7, 2021 |location=Section A |page=20}}

In April 2016, Zeldin introduced legislation to prevent the federal government's sale of Plum Island to the highest bidder.{{cite news |last1=Finn |first1=Lisa |date=April 24, 2016 |title=Rep. Lee Zeldin on Battle to Preserve Plum Island: 'Losing's Not An Option' |publisher=North Fork Patch |url=http://patch.com/new-york/northfork/rep-lee-zeldin-battle-preserve-plum-island-losings-not-option |access-date=April 28, 2016}} The next month, his bill unanimously passed the House.{{cite news |last1=Irizarry |first1=Lisa |date=May 16, 2016 |title=Plum Island protection bill passed by House |publisher=Newsday |url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/lee-zeldin-s-plum-island-bill-scheduled-for-house-vote-1.11802207 |access-date=May 17, 2016}}

In June 2015, after the United States Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that state-level bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, Zeldin would not comment about his view of same-sex marriage, but indicated he believed the issue should have been decided at the state level.{{cite web|url=http://www.27east.com/news/article.cfm/Water-Mill/112053/Supreme-Court-Ruling-Legalizes-Gay-Marriage-Bridgehampton-Ceremony-At-Center-Of-Case|title=Supreme Court Ruling Legalizes Gay Marriage; Bridgehampton Ceremony Was At Center Of Case|work=27east.com|date=June 26, 2015|access-date=November 4, 2022}} A month later, he co-sponsored the First Amendment Defense Act,{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/2802/cosponsors|title=HR 2802|work=congress.gov|date=June 17, 2015|access-date=February 27, 2016}} a bill "to protect individuals and institutions from punitive action by the government – such as revoking tax exempt status or withholding federal grants or benefits – for believing that marriage is between one man and one woman and for opposing sex outside of marriage".{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/09/politics/first-amendment-defense-act/index.html|title=Sen. Mike Lee reintroduces religious freedom bill, LGBTQ groups cry discrimination|first=Ashley|last=Killough|date=March 9, 2018|website=CNN}} Critics of the measure said it would enable people to violate same-sex couples' and their children's legal rights by discriminating against them.{{cite web|url=http://lgbtweekly.com/2015/06/20/hrc-first-amendment-defense-act-is-reckless/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725112902/http://lgbtweekly.com/2015/06/20/hrc-first-amendment-defense-act-is-reckless/|archive-date=July 25, 2015|title=HRC: First Amendment Defense Act is 'reckless'|last1=Lee|first1=Steve|date=June 20, 2015|publisher=San Diego LGBT Weekly (San Diego California)|access-date=October 25, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/first-amendment-defense-act_55a7ffe6e4b04740a3df4ca1|title=First Amendment Defense Act|work=Huffington Post|date=July 16, 2015|access-date=October 25, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://dyn.realclearpolitics.com/congressional_bill_tracker/bill/114/hr2802|title=H.R. 2802: First Amendment Defense Act|work=Real Clear Politics|access-date=March 2, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In May 2019, Zeldin voted against the Equality Act.{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/5|title=H.R.5 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): Equality Act|first=David N.|last=Cicilline|date=May 20, 2019|website=www.congress.gov}}{{Cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2019/roll217.xml|title=VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 217}}{{Cite web|first=Josh|last=Israel|date=May 17, 2019|url=https://archive.thinkprogress.org/25-equality-act-opponents-from-states-with-lgbtq-non-discrimination-protections-8fba0c05e4f7/|title=These 25 Republicans should have known better about the Equality Act|website=Think Progress}}

In July 2022, Zeldin was one of 47 Republican representatives who voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.{{Cite web |first=Mychael|last=Schnell|date=July 19, 2022 |title=These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3566600-these-are-the-47-house-republicans-who-voted-for-a-bill-protecting-marriage-equality/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719232708/https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3566600-these-are-the-47-house-republicans-who-voted-for-a-bill-protecting-marriage-equality/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |access-date=July 20, 2022 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}

In November 2017, Zeldin said he was unsatisfied with the proposed Republican tax bill. He cited his concerns with eliminating the state and local tax deduction (SALT). The same month, House Speaker Paul Ryan canceled plans to attend a fundraiser for Zeldin after Zeldin voted against the House version of the bill.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/29/nyregion/ryan-fundraiser-zeldin-tax-bill.html|title=Paul Ryan Cancels Fund-Raiser for Lee Zeldin Over Tax Bill Vote|last=Goldmacher|first=Shane|date=November 29, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 5, 2018|language=en}} In December, Zeldin called the tax bill "a geographic redistribution of wealth" that takes money from some states while providing tax relief to others. He suggested that the removal of the state tax deduction could have been implemented gradually.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/11/03/561781225/republican-rep-lee-zeldin-on-his-opposition-to-gop-tax-bill?t=1533140083378|title=Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin On His Opposition To GOP Tax Bill|website=NPR|date=November 3, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/12/20/gop-rep-lee-zeldin-tax-bill-a-geographic-redistribution-of-wealth.html|title=GOP congressman votes 'no' on tax bill, calls it a 'geographic redistribution of wealth'|website=CNBC|date=December 20, 2017}}

Zeldin voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, passed in December 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/12/19/us/politics/tax-bill-house-live-vote.html?_r=0|title=How Each House Member Voted on the Tax Bill|last1=Almukhtar|first1=Sarah|date=December 19, 2017|website=The New York Times|access-date=December 21, 2017}} He supported the corporate tax cuts in the bill but did not approve of the limit for property tax deductions, preferring a cap of $20,000 or $25,000 to the $10,000 cap in the bill.{{cite web|url=https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/gop-congressman-votes-apos-no-201200326.html|title=GOP congressman votes 'no' on tax bill, calls it a 'geographic redistribution of wealth'|website=Yahoo! Finance|access-date=December 21, 2017}}

File:Rep. Lee Zeldin Presents Donato Panico’s Flag from Ground Zero and Then Iraq to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.jpg, 2018]]

On May 3, 2016, Zeldin endorsed Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee.{{cite news|last1=Brune|first1=Tom|title=Reps. Peter King, Lee Zeldin endorse Donald Trump for president|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/spin-cycle/reps-peter-king-lee-zeldin-endorse-donald-trump-for-president-1.11762295|access-date=August 15, 2016|publisher=Newsday|date=May 4, 2016}} Zeldin had previously indicated that he would support whoever won the Republican nomination.{{cite news|last1=Clancy|first1=Ambrose|title=Zeldin will support whoever GOP nominates|url=http://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2016/03/66217/zeldin-will-support-republican-presidential-nominee-even-trump|access-date=August 15, 2016|newspaper=Suffolk Times|date=March 3, 2016}} During the campaign, Zeldin faulted Trump for a comment about Khizr and Ghazala Khan, a Gold Star family whose son Humayun, a captain in the Army, was killed during the Iraq War, but said he would continue to support Trump's candidacy.{{cite news|last1=Brune|first1=Tom|title=Peter King, Lee Zeldin fault Donald Trump for dispute with Khans|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/spin-cycle/peter-king-lee-zeldin-fault-donald-trump-for-dispute-with-khans-1.12125170?pts=787531|work=Newsday|date=August 2, 2016|access-date=August 16, 2016}}

Zeldin is considered a close Trump ally.{{cite news |last1=Milman |first1=Oliver |title=Trump picks ally Lee Zeldin as environment chief and vows to roll back rules |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/11/trump-appoint-lee-zeldin-epa-chief |access-date=27 May 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=11 November 2024}} In 2017, Zeldin supported Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey, saying it offered the FBI a chance at a "fresh start" to rebuild trust.{{Cite news|first1=Tom|last1=Brune|first2=Emily|last2=Ngo|date=May 9, 2017|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/comey-s-firing-spurs-call-for-russia-probe-special-prosecutor-1.13589403|title=With Comey out, Schumer urges special prosecutor|work=Newsday|access-date=May 10, 2017}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}} In May 2018, Zeldin called for the criminal prosecution of former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe.{{Cite news|url=https://thehill.com/389036-watch-ny-republican-wants-mccabe-prosecuted/|title=WATCH: NY Republican wants McCabe prosecuted|last=Hooper|first=Molly K.|date=May 23, 2018|work=The Hill|access-date=May 23, 2018|language=en}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}} Also that month Zeldin called for creating a special counsel investigation into the FBI and the Department of Justice regarding their investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.{{Cite news|url=https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/388798-house-conservatives-introduce-resolution-calling-for-second-special/|title=House conservatives introduce resolution calling for second special counsel|last=Beavers|first=Olivia|date=May 22, 2018|work=The Hill|access-date=May 23, 2018|language=en}} Zeldin said the investigations were launched with "insufficient intelligence and biased motivations", with surveillance warrants for Trump campaign staffers obtained in "deeply flawed and questionable" ways. He called for an investigation into the FBI's decision to conclude its investigation into the Hillary Clinton email controversy.{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/22/politics/republicans-house-second-special-counsel-proposal/index.html|title=Republicans renew push for second special counsel|first1=Jeremy |last1=Herb |first2=Daniella|last2=Diaz|work=CNN|access-date=May 23, 2018}}

During the 2018-19 U.S. government shutdown, Zeldin voted with the Republican caucus against the appropriations measure to fund the federal government. He instructed the House to withhold his pay until the shutdown ended, saying: "It's crazy to me that members of Congress get paid while other federal employees do not."{{cite web|last=Civiletti|first=Denise|url=https://riverheadlocal.com/2019/01/04/in-the-new-minority-rep-lee-zeldins-first-day-of-his-third-term-in-congress/|title=In the new minority: Rep. Lee Zeldin's first day of his third term in Congress|website=Riverhead Local|date= January 4, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2019}}

Zeldin prominently defended Trump during his first impeachment hearings concerning the Trump–Ukraine scandal, where Trump requested that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Zeldin said in October 2019, "It is crystal clear... that any allegation that President Trump was trying to get President Zelensky [sic] to manufacture dirt on the Bidens is just not true."{{Cite web|date=January 16, 2012|title=Intel official to testify as new texts pile pressure on Trump|url=https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/intel-official-testify-new-texts-pile-pressure-trump-doc-1l13hu5|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006070319/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/intel-official-to-testify-as-new-texts-pile-pressure-on-trump-119100401158_1.html|archive-date=October 6, 2019|access-date=October 4, 2019|website=AFP.com|language=en}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}} In the seven impeachment deposition transcripts released as of November 2019, no Republican had spoken more than Zeldin, referenced more than 550 times.{{Cite web|first=Allen|last=Smith|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-impeachment-inquiry/trump-s-defender-how-little-known-gop-lawmaker-became-point-n1076046|title=How a little-known GOP lawmaker became a point man in Trump's impeachment defense|website=NBC News|language=en|date=November 11, 2019|access-date=November 11, 2019}} On February 1, 2020, days before the conclusion of Trump's first impeachment trial, Zeldin opined that Republicans should expunge the impeachment if they won a House majority in the upcoming 2020 House elections, tweeting, "The House of Representatives should EXPUNGE this sham impeachment in January 2021!"{{Cite tweet |user=LeeMZeldin |number= 1223820132985733121 |title=The House of Representatives should EXPUNGE this sham impeachment in January 2021!This was absolutely disgusting what Pelosi and Schiff just dragged our country through. The end is near not only for impeachment, but hopefully also for their abusive grip on their gavels.}}{{cite web |last1=Stableford |first1=Dylan |title=Trump backs idea to 'expunge' impeachment |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-impeachment-expunged-congressional-record-182134835.html?bcmt=1 |website=Yahoo News |access-date=5 July 2023 |date=7 February 2020}}

After Trump lost the 2020 presidential election and made false claims of fraud, Zeldin was one of 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives to sign an amicus curiae in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the election, in which Biden defeated Trump.{{cite web|last1=Blood|first1=Michael R.|last2=Riccardi|first2=Nicholas|date=December 5, 2020|title=Biden officially secures enough electors to become president|url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-3e0b852c3cfadf853b08aecbfc3569fa|url-status=live|access-date=December 12, 2020|work=Associated Press|archive-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208201209/https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-3e0b852c3cfadf853b08aecbfc3569fa}} The Supreme Court declined to hear the case on the basis that Texas lacked standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge the results of an election held by another state.{{Cite news|last=Liptak|first=Adam|author-link=Adam Liptak|date=December 11, 2020|title=Supreme Court Rejects Texas Suit Seeking to Subvert Election|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/11/us/politics/supreme-court-election-texas.html|access-date=December 12, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211234955/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/11/us/politics/supreme-court-election-texas.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Order in Pending Case|url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/121120zr_p860.pdf|date=December 11, 2020|publisher=Supreme Court of the United States|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211234004/https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/121120zr_p860.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/politics/read-house-republicans-texas-supreme-court/index.html|title=Brief from 126 Republicans supporting Texas lawsuit in Supreme Court|first=Daniella |last=Diaz|work=CNN|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-date=December 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212000435/https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/politics/read-house-republicans-texas-supreme-court/index.html|url-status=live}} When asked in January 2021 to respond to the release of an audio recording of a phone call in which Trump pressured Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger to overturn the 2020 election and "find" enough votes for him to win, Zeldin said "I wish the reporting on it was a full and honest discussion – as opposed to the one-sided, biased take."{{Cite web|first1=Manu|last1=Raju|authorlink1=Manu Raju|first2=Jeremy|last2=Herb|title=House Republicans rush to Trump's defense over Georgia call as Democrats prep censure resolution|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/04/politics/trump-call-republican-reaction-censure-resolution/index.html|access-date=January 4, 2021|website=CNN|date=January 4, 2021}}

After the 2021 United States Capitol attack, Zeldin voted against certification of Arizona's and Pennsylvania's electoral votes.{{cite web |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/nation/zeldin-garbarino-house-vote-certification-1.50111094 |title=Rep. Zeldin to object to count of electoral votes |last=Brune |first=Tom |date=January 6, 2021 |website=Newsday |publisher= |access-date=May 1, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/07/us/elections/electoral-college-biden-objectors.html |title=The 147 Republicans Who Voted to Overturn Election Results |last1=Yourish |first1=Karen |last2=Buchanan |first2=Larry |last3=Lu |first3=Denise |date=January 7, 2021 |website=The New York Times |access-date=May 1, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/2021/1/6/22218058/republicans-objections-election-results |title=147 Republican lawmakers still objected to the election results after the Capitol attack |last=Zhou |first=Li |date=January 7, 2021 |website=Vox |access-date=May 1, 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Young|first=Beth|date=January 7, 2021|title=Lee Zeldin Sticks With Objection to Election as Mob Storms Capitol|url=https://www.eastendbeacon.com/lee-zeldin-sticks-with-objection-to-vote-as-mob-storms-capitol/|access-date=January 7, 2021|website=East End Beacon|language=en-US}} He disavowed the violence and argued with protesters at his Patchogue office who linked his espousal of election fraud conspiracy theories to the Capitol attack and called on him to resign.{{cite news |last=Werkeister |first=Joe |title=Zeldin continues support for Trump as House plans to vote for impeachment; Congressman says 'not a chance' he'll resign after protests |url=https://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2021/01/zeldin-continues-support-for-trump-as-house-plans-to-vote-for-impeachment-congressman-says-not-a-chance-hell-resign-after-protests/ |work=Suffolk Times |date=January 13, 2021 |access-date=January 16, 2021}} On January 7, he publicly acknowledged for the first time that Biden would be the next president.{{Cite news|last=Walsh |first=Christopher |title=Rep. Zeldin's Backtrack on Fraud Claims Fails to Silence His Critics |url=https://www.easthamptonstar.com/government/2021110/rep-zeldins-backtrack-fraud-claim-fails-to-silence-his-critics |date=January 10, 2021 |work=The East Hampton Star |access-date=January 16, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/18/lee-zeldin-biden-election-playbook-interview-476949 |title=Zeldin gets testy when asked if Biden won election |last=Leonard |first=Ben |date=March 18, 2021 |website=Politico |access-date=May 1, 2021}}

In February 2015, Zeldin introduced his first bill to eliminate the dollar limit for loans that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs can guarantee for a veteran.{{cite news|first=Laura|last=Figueroa|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/spin-cycle/rice-and-zeldin-file-first-bills-aimed-at-aiding-vets-1.10068978|title=Rice, Zeldin file first bills aimed at aiding vets|date=March 16, 2015|access-date=February 5, 2016|work=Newsday}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}} In February 2016 he proposed federal legislation to fund a three-year, $25-million nationwide veterans' peer-support program modeled on one he helped establish while in the New York State Senate.{{cite news|url=http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/lee-zeldin-proposes-25m-veterans-counseling-program-1.11469897|title=Lee Zeldin proposes $25M veterans counseling program|last1=Evans|first1=Martin|date=February 14, 2016|access-date=February 26, 2016|work=Newsday}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}}

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa
• Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade
• Committee on Financial Services
• Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance
• Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
• Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance

• Bipartisan Heroin and Opioids Task Force{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2020 |title=Members of Congress in an Addiction Related Caucus and/or Group |url=https://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/members_in_addiction_caucus_or_group_2020.pdf |website=NAADAC - National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors}}
• Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus
• Congressional Estuary Caucus{{Cite web |title=Estuary Caucus |url=https://estuaries.org/get-involved/estuary-caucus/ |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=Restore America's Estuaries |language=en-US}}
• Conservative Climate Caucus{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2021 |title=House Republicans launch conservative climate caucus |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy/house-republicans-launch-conservative-climate-caucus |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=Washington Examiner |language=en}}
• Climate Solutions Caucus{{cite web|title=Climate Solutions Caucus|url=https://citizensclimatelobby.org/climate-solutions-caucus|website=Citizens Climate Lobby|access-date=August 23, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Tara|title=Citizens lobby for the environment|url=https://www.longislandadvance.net/4024/Citizens-lobby-for-the-environment|access-date=September 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906091650/https://www.longislandadvance.net/4024/Citizens-lobby-for-the-environment|archive-date=September 6, 2017|work=The Long Island Advance|date=January 5, 2017}}
• House Republican Israel Caucus (co-chair){{Cite web |date=June 1, 2017 |title=Trump signs waiver, won't move embassy to Jerusalem now |url=https://www.jta.org/2017/06/01/politics/trump-signs-waiver-will-not-move-embassy-to-jerusalem|agency=Jewish Telegraphic Agency}}
• Long Island Sound Caucus (co-chair){{Cite news |date=December 7, 2020 |title=EPA Funding To Support Health Of Long Island Sound |url=https://www.wshu.org/news/2020-12-07/epa-funding-to-support-health-of-long-island-sound |access-date=March 5, 2022 |website=WSHU |language=en}}
• Republican Main Street Partnership{{Cite web|url=https://www.republicanmainstreet.org/members|title=MEMBERS|website=RMSP}}

{{main|2022 New York gubernatorial election}}

In April 2021, Zeldin announced he would run for governor of New York in 2022.{{cite news |last1=Glueck |first1=Katie |title=Rep. Lee Zeldin, an Avid Trump Backer, to Run for N.Y. Governor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/08/nyregion/lee-zeldin-governor.html |access-date=May 10, 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=April 8, 2021}}{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2021 |title=GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin announces run for governor of New York |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/gop-rep-lee-zeldin-announces-run-governor-new-york-n1263417 |access-date=April 8, 2021 |website=NBC News |language=en}} On April 30, 2021, Zeldin announced that Erie and Niagara counties' Republican Party chairs had endorsed his campaign, giving him the necessary 50% of state committee support to gain the Republican nomination.{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=Dan |title=More Than Half of NY's Republican County Chairs Have Now Endorsed Rep. Lee Zeldin for Governor |url=https://nynow.wmht.org/blogs/politics/more-than-half-of-nys-republican-county-chairs-have-now-endorsed-rep-lee-zeldin/ |website=nynow.wmht.org |publisher=WMHT |access-date=May 10, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=McCarthy |first1=Robert J. |title=Erie, Niagara support appears to hand GOP nod for governor to Rep. Lee Zeldin |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/erie-niagara-support-appears-to-hand-gop-nod-for-governor-to-rep-lee-zeldin/article_2b1f72bc-a9e5-11eb-83ec-87d305805280.html |access-date=May 10, 2021 |work=The Buffalo News |date=April 30, 2021}} In June 2021, Republican state chair Nick Langworthy named Zeldin the party's "presumed nominee" after he earned 85% of a straw poll vote of county leaders. Conservative state chair Gerard Kassar also called Zeldin the "presumptive nominee" of the Conservative Party of New York State.{{Cite web|last=Gronewold|first=Anna|title=Zeldin is GOP's 'presumed nominee' against Cuomo after straw poll of county leaders|url=https://politi.co/36cV1op|access-date=August 14, 2021|website=Politico PRO|date=June 28, 2021|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Zeldin called 'presumptive nominee' for Conservative Party|url=https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/ny-state-of-politics/2021/06/08/zeldin-called--presumptive-nominee--for-conservative-party|access-date=August 14, 2021|website=nystateofpolitics.com|language=en}} As of August 2021, Zeldin had been endorsed by 49 of New York's 62 county Republican party chairs.{{Cite web|first=Michael|last=Goot|title=Warren County GOP endorses Zeldin for governor|url=https://poststar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/warren-county-gop-endorses-zeldin-for-governor/article_86708de9-7a7c-5ba7-9bdc-4c8bebeb3704.html|date=August 7, 2021|access-date=August 14, 2021|website=Glens Falls Post-Star|language=en}}

Zeldin's campaign raised $4 million during the first half of 2021 and $4.3 million in the second half. 90% of his donations were small-dollar donations.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/health-government-and-politics-campaigns-coronavirus-pandemic-0eca65bc9468ec773628c4045a8470ea|title=Cuomo sees drop in donations, wields $18M in campaign funds|date=July 16, 2021|website=AP NEWS}}{{Cite web|title=New York Senate Democrats build campaign war chest to keep supermajority|url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/rochester/ny-state-of-politics/2022/01/19/new-york-senate-democrats-build-campaign-war-chest-|access-date=January 20, 2022|website=spectrumlocalnews.com|language=en}} Zeldin visited every county in New York State twice during his campaign.{{Cite web|title=Lee Zeldin: James 'will most likely be our opponent' in NY governor's race|url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2021/11/11/lee-zeldin-believes-letitia-james--will-most-likely-be-our-opponent--in-governor-s-race|access-date=November 12, 2021|website=www.ny1.com|language=en}} In November 2021, he declined to commit to campaigning with Donald Trump, saying, "There are plenty of New Yorkers who love him, there are plenty of New Yorkers out there who don't."{{cite news |last1=Klein |first1=Rick |last2=Harper |first2=Averi |last3=Wiersema |first3=Alisa |title='I'm done': Trump's post-Jan. 6 threat to GOP comes to light: The Note |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/im-trumps-post-jan-threat-gop-light-note/story?id=81020953 |access-date=November 11, 2021 |work=ABC News |date=November 8, 2021}}

File:Lee Zeldin at Calverton National Cemetery (01).png

On March 1, 2022, Zeldin received the New York Republican State Committee's designation for governor of New York; 85% of the committee voted to back him.{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Rebecca C. |title=NY GOP officially backs Zeldin for governor in 2022 |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2022/03/ny-gop-officially-backs-zeldin-governor-2022/362609/ |website=cityandstateny.com |publisher=Government Media Executive Group LLC. |access-date=March 1, 2022 |date=March 1, 2022}} He has also received the Conservative Party's designation.{{Cite web |title=In race for governor, it's Lee Zeldin all the way for NY Conservative Party |url=https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/politics/2022/03/02/in-race-for-governor--it-s-lee-zeldin-all-the-way-for-new-york-s-conservative-party |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=nystateofpolitics.com |language=en}} Zeldin's preferred pick for lieutenant governor, retired NYPD Deputy Inspector Alison Esposito, ran unopposed and also received the state party's designation.{{Cite web |title=Republicans are backing a Brooklyn cop for lieutenant governor |url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2022/02/republicans-are-backing-brooklyn-cop-lieutenant-governor/362324/ |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=City & State NY |date=February 23, 2022 |language=en}}

Zeldin faced Rob Astorino, Andrew Giuliani, and Harry Wilson in the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary{{cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/new-york-governor-zeldin-astorino-wilson-giuliani-ioyyh6ho|title=Astorino, Giuliani get OK to join 4-way GOP primary for governor|last=Roy|first=Yancey|website=Newsday.com|date=May 2, 2022|access-date=May 7, 2022}} and was declared the winner on June 29, 2022. He faced incumbent governor Kathy Hochul in the November general election.{{cite web |last1=Gronewold |first1=Anna |last2=Goldenberg |first2=Sally |last3=Dunn |first3=Danielle Muoio |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Hochul beats Zeldin to be New York's first elected female governor |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/08/kathy-hochul-lee-zeldin-new-york-governor-race-results-2022-00065468 |access-date=November 18, 2022 |website=politico.com}}

On July 21, 2022, Zeldin was attacked at a campaign event in Perinton, New York. A man, later identified as David Jakubonis,{{Cite web |first1=Samantha|last1=Beech|first2=Sharif|last2=Paget|first3=Josh|last3=Campbell |title=Suspected attacker of GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin arrested on federal assault charge |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/23/politics/zeldin-suspected-attacker-federal-assault-charge/index.html |date=July 23, 2022|access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=CNN}} got on the stage while Zeldin was giving a speech and attacked him with a pointed plastic key chain intended to be used for self-defense.{{Cite news |last1=Fandos |first1=Nicholas |last2=Bromwich |first2=Jonah E. |last3=D’Avolio |first3=Lauren |date=July 22, 2022 |title=G.O.P. Assails N.Y. Bail Laws After Suspect in Zeldin Attack Is Released |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/nyregion/lee-zeldin-suspect-bail.html |access-date=July 23, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |last1=LeBlanc |first1=Paul |date=July 22, 2022 |title=GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin attacked but unharmed at New York gubernatorial campaign event |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/22/politics/lee-zeldin-attacked-new-york-campaign-event/index.html |access-date=July 22, 2022}} AMVETS national director Joe Chenelly stopped the attacker.{{cite news |last1=Linton |first1=Jacob |title=Congressman Lee Zeldin attacked during campaign event |url=https://www.whec.com/rochester-new-york-news/congressman-lee-zeldin-attacked-during-campaign-event/6531450/ |access-date=July 21, 2022 |work=WHEC-TV |date=July 21, 2022}} The Monroe County Sheriff's Department detained the man{{cite news|url=https://www.wivb.com/news/witnesses-gov-candidate-lee-zeldin-attacked-at-perinton-campaign-stop/|title=Rep. Lee Zeldin attacked at Perinton campaign stop|publisher=WIVB-TV|last1=Battaglia|first1=James|last2=Garzone|first2=Christian|date=July 21, 2022|accessdate=July 21, 2022 |quote=Witnesses say Zeldin was giving a speech about bail reform at the VFW on Macedon Center Road when a man got on stage, started yelling, 'wrestled with him a bit, and pulled a blade out.' The alleged attacker was suppressed by AMVETS national Director Joe Chenelly.}} before releasing him the next day without bail.{{Cite web|first=Alec|last=Schemmel|date=July 22, 2022 |title=Suspected Lee Zeldin attacker released without bail, Zeldin blames lenient N.Y. laws |url=https://cnycentral.com/news/local/suspected-lee-zeldin-attacker-immediately-released-without-bail-zeldin-blames-ny-laws |access-date=July 23, 2022 |website=WSTM |language=en}} Monroe County district attorney Sandra Doorley, who is also a co-chair of Zeldin's campaign,{{cite news |last1=Fandos |first1=Nicholas |last2=Bromwich |first2=Jonah |last3=D'Avolio |first3=Lauren |date=July 22, 2022 |title=G.O.P. Assails N.Y. Bail Laws After Suspect in Zeldin Attack Is Released |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/22/nyregion/lee-zeldin-suspect-bail.html?smid=url-share |access-date=July 23, 2022}} recused herself from the case because she was at the event.{{Cite web |last=Emblidge |first=Doug |date=July 26, 2022 |title=Monroe County DA says she recused herself from Zeldin case right away |url=https://13wham.com/newsletter-daily/monroe-county-da-says-she-recused-herself-from-zeldin-case-right-away |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=WHAM |language=en}} After his initial release, Jakubonis was arrested on federal assault charges. After being indicted, he said he had been drinking on the day of the attack and "did not know who" Zeldin was.{{cite news |last1=Porter |first1=David |date=July 31, 2022 |title=Investigators: Attacker 'did not know who' Zeldin was |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |url=https://www.inquirer.com/wires/ap/investigators-attacker-did-not-know-who-zeldin-was-20220723.html|access-date=July 31, 2022}}

Although the election was closer than most gubernatorial contests since 2002, Zeldin lost to Hochul, 53.2% to 46.8%.{{cite web |title=2022 General Election Governor and Lt. Governor Results |url=https://elections.ny.gov/2022-general-election-governor-and-lt-governor-results |website=New York State Board of Elections}} He received the highest percentage of the vote for a Republican gubernatorial nominee since 2002 and the highest raw vote total for a Republican gubernatorial nominee since 1970.

During his gubernatorial campaign, he pledged to reverse New York state's 2015 ban on hydraulic fracturing.{{Cite news |last=Friedman |first=Lisa |date=2025-03-29 |title=How Lee Zeldin Went From Environmental Moderate to Dismantling the E.P.A. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/29/climate/lee-zeldin-epa.html |access-date=2025-03-31 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} In 2022, he voted against the Inflation Reduction Act.

Zeldin opposes abortion and but has said that regardless of what the Supreme Court decides on Roe v. Wade, "nothing changes in the state of New York", where abortion is legal.{{cite news |last1=Fink |first1=Zack |title=Lee Zeldin explains abortion position, following Supreme Court leak |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/05/09/lee-zeldin-explains-abortion-position--following-supreme-court-leak |access-date=May 9, 2022 |work=NY1 |date=May 9, 2022}} When the Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Zeldin said it was "a victory for life, for family, for the Constitution, and for federalism".{{cite news |last1=Fandos |first1=Nicholas |title=How Zeldin's Anti-Abortion Stance May Affect the N.Y. Governor's Race |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/29/nyregion/abortion-lee-zeldin-governor.html |access-date=June 30, 2022 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 30, 2022 |location=Section A |page=17}} In April 2022, Zeldin said it would be "a great idea" to appoint a health commissioner who opposed abortion.{{cite news |last1=Frey |first1=Kevin |title=Zeldin: Appointing 'pro-life' health commissioner for NY state is 'great idea' |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/04/29/zeldin--appointing--pro-life--health-commissioner-for-ny-state-is--great-idea- |access-date=October 15, 2022 |work=NY1 |date=April 28, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Gormley |first1=Michael |title=Zeldin's differing comments show political risks of abortion issue for GOP, experts say |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/zeldin-governor-republicans-abortion-politics-rjxq4syp |access-date=October 15, 2022 |work=Newsday |date=May 11, 2022}} In October 2022, Zeldin said that as governor, he would not change New York's abortion laws.{{cite news |last1=Spector |first1=Joseph |title=Zeldin vows he won't mess with abortion rights if elected. Democrats aren't buying it. |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/17/zeldin-new-york-abortion-rights-00062054 |access-date=27 May 2025 |work=POLITICO |date=17 October 2022 |language=en}}

Zeldin has opposed New York's bail reform, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanor and nonviolent felony charges, repeatedly calling for its repeal.{{cite news |last1=Brodsky |first1=Robert |title=Suffolk GOP lawmakers call for repeal of state's cashless bail law |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/bail-reform-suffolk-gop-1.50418086 |access-date=December 6, 2021 |work=Newsday |date=November 10, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Lisa |first1=Kate |title=Hochul sidesteps bail reform issue as GOP demands repeal |url=https://www.nny360.com/top_stories/hochul-sidesteps-bail-reform-issue-as-gop-demands-repeal/article_31cc13d4-97e7-5a8d-9ed9-32401d198bd6.html |website=nny360.com |publisher=Watertown Daily Times and Northern New York Newspapers |access-date=December 6, 2021 |date=November 10, 2021}}

File:Lee Zeldin (53809272605).jpg

In 2023, Zeldin launched Leadership America Needs, a PAC aimed at increasing Republican turnout among the young and voters of color.{{Cite web |last=Vakil |first=Caroline |date=2023-03-01 |title=Zeldin launches PAC aimed at increasing GOP turnout among voters of color, younger demographics |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3878957-zeldin-launches-pac-aimed-at-increasing-gop-turnout-among-voters-of-color-younger-demographics/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}

File:Lee Zeldin Swearing in EPA.jpg on January 29, 2025]]

In November 2024, CNN reported that Zeldin was Trump's nominee for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.{{cite news |last1=Treene |first1=Alayna |date=November 11, 2024 |title=Trump picks former GOP congressman Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/11/politics/lee-zeldin-epa-administrator/index.html |access-date=November 11, 2024 |work=CNN |language=en}} His confirmation hearing was held on January 16, 2025.{{Cite web |title=Hearing on the Nomination of the Honorable Lee M. Zeldin to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. |url=https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/1/hearing-on-the-nomination-of-the-honorable-lee-m-zeldin-to-be-administrator-of-the-environmental-protection-agency |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works |language=en}} The committee advanced his nomination in a 11–8 vote on January 23.{{cite web | url = https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/senate-confirms-lee-zeldin-to-lead-epa | title = Senate confirms Lee Zeldin to lead EPA | work = Axios | date = 2025-01-29 | access-date = 2025-01-29 | first = Daniel | last = Moore }}

During his confirmation hearing for EPA Director, Zeldin stated that climate change is a real issue and needs to be addressed.{{Cite web |title=Zeldin: 'I believe that climate change is real' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/zeldin-says-climate-change-must-be-addressed-at-senate-confirmation-hearing-229479493891 |access-date=2025-01-17 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

He was confirmed by the Senate on January 29, in a 56–42 vote.{{Cite web |title=U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 119th Congress - 1st Session |url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00023.htm |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=www.senate.gov}} Democratic Senators John Fetterman, Mark Kelly, and Ruben Gallego joined all Republicans in voting for Zeldin.

On January 29, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh swore Zeldin into office as the 17th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.{{Cite web |last=US EPA |first=OA |date=2025-01-30 |title=Lee M. Zeldin Sworn in as 17th EPA Administrator |url=https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/lee-m-zeldin-sworn-17th-epa-administrator |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=www.epa.gov |language=en}} In March 2025, Zeldin presented what he described as the "largest deregulatory announcement in U.S. history" wherein he reframed the purpose of the EPA towards deregulation and energy production in lieu of public health and environmental protections. Zeldin announced plans to repeal dozens of major environmental regulations, including protections for wetlands, limits on pollution from tailpipes and smokestacks, and the endangerment finding, the legal basis for regulation of greenhouse gases.{{Cite web |date=12 March 2025 |title=EPA announces 'endangerment finding' reconsideration |url=https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2025/03/12/epa-announces-endangerment-finding-reconsideration-00226645 |website=Politico Pro |language=en}} Under Zeldin, the agency announced plans to cut agency jobs, eliminate its scientific research arm, and reduce the EPA's budget by 65%.{{Cite news |last=Tabuchi |first=Hiroko |date=2025-03-27 |title=E.P.A. Offers a Way to Avoid Clean-Air Rules: Send an Email |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/27/climate/epa-air-pollution-exemption-mercury-coal-ash.html |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

In March 2025, the Climate United Fund, a nonprofit that was awarded nearly $7 billion by the Biden administration to finance energy and climate projects, sued the EPA, accusing it of improperly freezing a grant.{{cite news |last1=Phillis |first1=Michael |last2=Daly |first2=Matthew |title=EPA froze 'green bank' funds worth billions, climate group suit says |url=https://apnews.com/article/epa-green-bank-zeldin-climate-trump-27171e24c32720bc96e167f93e40b02d |work=AP News |date=10 March 2025 |language=en}}

In March 2025, the EPA informed coal- and oil-burning power plants that they could potentially bypass environmental restrictions by sending an email to the agency requesting an exemption. By April 15, nearly 70 coal power plants were exempted.{{Cite news |date=2025-04-15 |title=Trump exempts nearly 70 coal plants from Biden-era rule on mercury and other toxic air pollution |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-coal-power-plants-epa-exemptions-zeldin-2cd9f2697b5f46a88ab9882ab6fd1641 |access-date=2025-04-22 |language=en}} Zeldin also said that he would allow coal-burning power plants to apply for exemptions for coal ash pollution.

In May 2025, the EPA rolled back limits on forever chemicals in drinking water. Zeldin stated that the EPA was dedicated to protecting Americans from forever chemicals in drinking water, but that the agency also wanted "common-sense flexibility in the form of additional time for compliance."{{Cite web |date=2025-05-14 |title=EPA announces rollback for some Biden-era limits on 'forever chemicals' in drinking water |url=https://apnews.com/article/pfas-forever-chemicals-epa-zeldin-trump-4eaf8c7bdac7c45a295a2305de906012 |website=AP News |language=en}}

Zeldin was raised within a mix of Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism,{{cite book|author=U.S. Congress: Joint Committee on Printing|title=Official Congressional Directory 114th Congress, 2015-2016, Convened January 2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W4Som-OxRt4C&pg=PA180|date=March 30, 2016|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Washington D.C.|isbn=978-0-16-092997-7|pages=180–}} the grandson of Reform and Conservative rabbis, while his wife Diana is Mormon.{{cite news|last1=Ain|first1=Stewart|title=L.I.'s Zeldin Stepping Into GOP Minefield|url=http://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/l-i-s-zeldin-stepping-into-gop-minefield|access-date=July 5, 2018|newspaper=The New York Jewish Week|date=November 12, 2014}} The couple have identical twin daughters. They live in Shirley, New York. Zeldin is a member of B'nai Israel Reform Temple in Oakdale. His grandfather, Rabbi Abraham Jacob "Jack" Zeldin, founded Farmingdale Jewish Center, a Conservative synagogue. His great-uncle Isaiah Zeldin was a prominent rabbi who founded the Stephen S. Wise Temple in Los Angeles, and his great-grandfather Morris A. Zeldin cofounded the UJA-Federation of New York.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRyqJs-K5oI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/sRyqJs-K5oI |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY) Remembers Rabbi Zeldin on the House Floor|date=January 31, 2019|work=Wise Temple LA|access-date=February 28, 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jta.org/2022/11/04/ny/an-orthodox-favorite-lee-zeldin-discusses-his-democratic-grandparents-and-reform-upbringing |title=An Orthodox favorite, Lee Zeldin discusses his Democratic grandparents and Reform upbringing |date=November 4, 2022 |publisher=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |accessdate=November 4, 2022}} As of August 2020, Zeldin was one of two Jewish Republicans in Congress.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/lee-zeldin-one-of-the-2-jewish-republicans-in-congress-made-the-case-for-trump-1.9107203|title=Lee Zeldin, one of the 2 Jewish Republicans in Congress, made the case for Trump at the RNC|newspaper=Haaretz|date=August 27, 2020}}

On September 18, 2021, Zeldin announced that he had been diagnosed with leukemia in November 2020 but had achieved disease remission following treatment.{{Cite web|first1=Daniella|last1=Diaz|first2=Rachel|last2=Janfaza|title=Rep. Lee Zeldin announces he was diagnosed with leukemia last fall and is in remission|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/18/politics/lee-zeldin-leukemia-announcement/index.html|date=September 18, 2021|access-date=September 18, 2021|website=CNN}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2008 New York's 1st congressional district election}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Tim Bishop|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=141,727|percentage=51.0}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Tim Bishop|party=Working Families Party|votes=7,437|percentage=2.7}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Tim Bishop|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=12,919|percentage=4.7}}

{{Election box winning candidate no change|candidate=Tim Bishop (incumbent)|party=Total|votes=162,083|percentage=58.4}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=100,036|percentage=36.0}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Conservative Party of New York State|votes=14,470|percentage=5.6}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Total|votes=115,545|percentage=41.6}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=372,642|percentage=100.0}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2010 New York's 3rd State Senate district election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (US)|candidate=Lee Zeldin|votes=41,063|percentage=57.1}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=Brian X. Foley (incumbent)|votes=30,876|percentage=42.9}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=71,939|percentage=100.0}}

{{Election box gain with party link no change|winner=Republican Party (US)|loser=Democratic Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2012 New York's 3rd State Senate district election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (US)|candidate=Lee Zeldin (incumbent)|votes=52,057|percentage=55.7}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (US)|candidate=Francis T. Genco|votes=41,372|percentage=44.3}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=93,429|percentage=100.0}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Republican Party (US)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2014 New York's Republican 1st congressional district primary}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=10,283|percentage=61.3}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=George Demos|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=6,482|percentage=38.7}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=16,765|percentage=100.0}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2014 New York's 1st congressional district election}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Lee Zeldin|votes=77,062|percentage=44.6}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Conservative Party of New York State|candidate=Lee Zeldin|votes=16,973|percentage=9.8}}

{{Election box candidate no change|party=Total|candidate=Lee Zeldin|votes=94,035|percentage=54.4}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Tim Bishop|votes=68,387|percentage=39.6}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Working Families Party|candidate=Tim Bishop|votes=5,457|percentage=3.2}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Independence Party of New York|candidate=Tim Bishop|votes=4,878|percentage=2.8}}

{{Election box candidate no change|party=Total|candidate=Tim Bishop (incumbent)|votes=78,722|percentage=45.6}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=172,757|percentage=100.0}}

{{Election box gain with party link no change|winner=Republican Party (United States)|loser=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2016 New York's 1st congressional district election}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=158,409|percentage=48.9}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Conservative Party of New York State|votes=23,327|percentage=7.2}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=5,920|percentage=1.8}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Reform Party (United States)|votes=843|percentage=0.3}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin (incumbent)|party=Total|votes=188,499|percentage=58.2}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Anna Throne-Holst|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=126,635|percentage=39.1}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Anna Throne-Holst|party=Working Families Party|votes=6,147|percentage=1.9}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Anna Throne-Holst|party=Women's Equality Party (New York)|votes=2,496|percentage=0.8}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Anna Throne-Holst|party=Total|votes=135,278|percentage=41.8}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=323,777|percentage=100.0}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Republican Party (United States)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2018 New York's 1st congressional district election}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=121,562|percentage=45.0}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Conservative Party of New York State|votes=14,284|percentage=5.3}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=2,693|percentage=1.0}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Reform Party of New York State|votes=488|percentage=0.2}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin (incumbent)|party=Total|votes=139,027|percentage=51.5}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Perry Gershon|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=124,213|percentage=46.0}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Perry Gershon|party=Working Families Party|votes=3,778|percentage=1.4}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Perry Gershon|party=Total|votes=127,991|percentage=47.4}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Kate Browning|party=Women's Equality Party (New York)|votes=2,988|percentage=1.1}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=270,006|percentage=100.0}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Republican Party (United States)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2020 New York's 1st congressional district election}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=180,855|percentage=48.2}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Conservative Party of New York State|votes=21,611|percentage=5.8}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin|party=Independence Party of New York|votes=3,249|percentage=0.9}}

{{Election box winning candidate no change|candidate=Lee Zeldin (incumbent)|party=Total|votes=205,715|percentage=54.9}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Nancy Goroff|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=160,978|percentage=42.9}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Nancy Goroff|party=Working Families Party|votes=8,316|percentage=2.2}}

{{Election box candidate no change|candidate=Nancy Goroff|party=Total|votes=169,294|percentage=45.1}}

{{Election box total no change|votes=375,009|percentage=100.0}}

{{Election box hold with party link no change|winner=Republican Party (United States)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=2022 New York Republican gubernatorial primary}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=New York Republican State Committee|candidate=Lee Zeldin|votes=193,184|percentage=43.6}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=New York Republican State Committee|candidate=Andrew Giuliani|votes=100,372|percentage=22.9}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=New York Republican State Committee|candidate=Rob Astorino|votes=80,223|percentage=18.7}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=New York Republican State Committee|candidate=Harry Wilson|votes=64,594|percentage=14.8}}{{Election box total no change|votes=438,373|percentage=100}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin|title=2022 New York gubernatorial election{{cite web |title=2022 General Election Governor and Lt. Governor Results |url=https://elections.ny.gov/2022-general-election-governor-and-lt-governor-results |website=New York State Board of Elections}}}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=New York State Democratic Committee|candidate={{ubl|Kathy Hochul|Antonio Delgado}}|votes=2,879,092|percentage=48.77%|change=-7.39%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Working Families Party|candidate={{ubl|Kathy Hochul|Antonio Delgado}}|votes=261,323|percentage=4.43%|change=+2.55%}}

{{Election box candidate|candidate={{ubl|Kathy Hochul (incumbent)|Antonio Delgado (incumbent)}}|party=Total|votes=3,140,415|percentage=53.20%|change=-6.42%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=New York Republican State Committee|candidate={{ubl|Lee Zeldin|Alison Esposito}}|votes=2,449,394|percentage=41.49%|change=+9.89%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Conservative Party of New York State|candidate={{ubl|Lee Zeldin|Alison Esposito}}|votes=313,187|percentage=5.31%|change=+1.15%}}

{{Election box candidate|candidate={{ubl|Lee Zeldin|Alison Esposito}}|party=Total|votes=2,762,581|percentage=46.80%|change=+10.59%}}

{{Election box total|votes=5,788,802|percentage=100.0%}}{{Election box turnout|votes=5,902,996|percentage=47.74%|change=}}{{Election box registered electors|reg. electors=12,124,242}}

{{Election box hold with party link no swing|winner=Democratic Party (United States)}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=118th Congress Election for the 56th Speaker of the House, Roll Call 521}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Jim Jordan|votes=200|percentage=46.30%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Steve Scalise|votes=7|percentage=1.62%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Kevin McCarthy|votes=6|percentage=1.39%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Lee Zeldin|votes=3|percentage=0.70%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Other|votes=4|percentage=0.93%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Hakeem Jefferies|votes=212|percentage=49.07%}}{{Election box total no change|votes=432|percentage=100%}}{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=118th Congress Election for the 56th Speaker of the House, Roll Call 523}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Jim Jordan|votes=199|percentage=46.00%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Steve Scalise|votes=7|percentage=1.62%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Kevin McCarthy|votes=5|percentage=1.15%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Lee Zeldin|votes=3|percentage=0.69%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Other|votes=7|percentage=1.62%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Hakeem Jefferies|votes=212|percentage=48.96%}}{{Election box total no change|votes=433|percentage=100%}}{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change|title=118th Congress Election for the 56th Speaker of the House, Roll Call 525}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Jim Jordan|votes=194|percentage=45.54%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Steve Scalise|votes=8|percentage=1.87%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Patrick McHenry|votes=6|percentage=1.41%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Lee Zeldin|votes=4|percentage=0.94%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Other|votes=7|percentage=1.64%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Hakeem Jefferies|votes=210|percentage=49.18%}}{{Election box total no change|votes=427|percentage=100%}}{{Election box end}}

• List of Jewish members of the United States Congress

{{Reflist|20em}}

{{wikiquote}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-administrator EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin]

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{{s-bef|before=Michael S. Regan}}

{{s-ttl|title=Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency|years=2025–present}}

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{{s-prec}}

{{s-bef|before=Susie Wiles|as=White House Chief of Staff}}

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States
{{small|as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency}}}}

{{s-aft|after=Russell Vought|as=Director of the Office of Management and Budget}}

{{s-end}}

{{Current U.S. Cabinet}}

{{EPA}}

{{Second Trump cabinet}}

{{First impeachment and impeachment trial of Donald Trump}}

{{USCongRep-start |congresses=114th-117th United States Congress |state=New York}}

{{USCongRep/NY/114}}

{{USCongRep/NY/115}}

{{USCongRep/NY/116}}

{{USCongRep/NY/117}}

{{USCongRep-end}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zeldin, Lee}}

Category:1980 births

Category:21st-century members of the New York State Legislature

Category:21st-century members of the United States House of Representatives

Category:Administrators of the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Category:Albany Law School alumni

Category:American Conservative Jews

Category:American Reform Jews

Category:Candidates in the 2022 United States elections

Category:Jewish American military personnel

Category:Jewish American people in New York (state) politics

Category:Jewish members of the Cabinet of the United States

Category:Jewish members of the United States House of Representatives

Category:Living people

Category:Military personnel from New York (state)

Category:New York (state) lawyers

Category:People from Hempstead, New York

Category:People from Shirley, New York

Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from New York (state)

Category:Republican Party New York (state) state senators

Category:Second Trump administration cabinet members

Category:United States Army officers

Category:University at Albany, SUNY alumni