The campaign for longtime Democratic National Committee member Robert Zimmerman announced three new endorsements as he bids for his party’s nomination in the 3rd Congressional District.
Kevin Sun, Long Island Asian-American community leader, and Debra Markell and Matthew Silverstein, Queens Democratic State Committee members for the 26th Assembly District, have pledged their support for Zimmerman.
“I proudly support Robert Zimmerman for Congress in New York’s third district,” Sun said in a statement. “I know that as a member of Congress he will be a leader for the Asian-American Community. He stands up proudly with us as a citizen and an activist in the fight to stop Asian hate.”
Markell said that Zimmerman has been an ally to the district, which includes the neighborhoods of Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Bayside, Bayside Hills, Broadway-Flushing, Douglaston, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, North Shore Towers, Oakland Gardens and Whitestone.
“Robert Zimmerman is a friend of the residents of North Shore Towers and Northeast Queens,” said Markell. “He understands the issues and concerns of our residents. Robert has demonstrated his leadership as a citizen and will continue to be an advocate for our community. He will stand up for us as a member of Congress.”
Zimmerman, 67, is co-president of ZE Creative Communications on Bond Street in Great Neck, a public relations firm he began 33 years ago with Ron Edelson.
He is seeking the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who is running for governor.
Since his announcement, Zimmerman’s campaign said it has raised over $500,000.
If elected, Zimmerman would become the first gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens.
Other endorsements for Zimmerman’s campaign include former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Assemblyman Charles Lavine and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
According to newly drawn lines, the 3rd Congressional District will include several areas in Westchester County and the Bronx along with Manhasset, Roslyn, Port Washington, Great Neck, Floral Park, and Whitestone, Queens, among other areas, and stretches to Kings Park in Suffolk County.
Following the approval of new congressional maps by state legislators, a Republican-led group filed a lawsuit claiming the Democrats gerrymandered the districts to retain control of the House.
Others running for the Democratic nomination in the district include former North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan, state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, Oyster Bay’s Reema Rasool and Melanie D’Arrigo of Port Washington.
The Democratic congressional primary is slated for June 28.
George Santos and Kevin Surdi are seeking the Republican nomination.
