Who is Lee Zeldin?
LAUNCHING his bid to become New York State Governor has hurled Lee Zeldin straight into the spotlight.
The dad-of-two and close ally of Donald Trump is eager to earn the trust of voters ahead of the gubernatorial election on November 8, 2022.
Who is Lee Zeldin?
Lee Zeldin is an attorney, politician, and officer in the United States Army Reserve who was born on January 30, 1980, in East Meadow, New York.
His education took him to the State University of New York at Albany and then Albany Law School, where he graduated.
Zeldin earned the crown of New York’s youngest attorney at the time, at age 23.
Read More from NY Politics
He went on to serve four years of active duty in the US Army before returning to his career in law.
In 2008, the attorney opened a successful law practice in Smithtown.
The 42-year-old was then elected to the US House of Representatives, representing New York’s First Congressional District in 2014.
Zeldin also serves on two Committees in the House of Representatives: Financial Services and Foreign Affairs.
Most read in US News
In recent years, he has openly voiced his support of former President Trump.
He publicly defended Trump during his second impeachment trial and backed his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.
What happened at Lee Zeldin’s home?
On October 9, 2022, Zeldin made headlines after it was revealed that two people were shot outside his Suffolk County home.
Three teenagers were walking by the house and were attacked in a drive-by shooting around 2:20pm, according to New York Daily News.
Cops revealed that the two victims who were shot were 17-years-old and that a third took off on foot.
At the time, Zeldin’s twin 16-year-old daughters were inside but quickly called 911 after they heard the shots.
“After my daughters heard the gunshots and the screaming, they ran upstairs, locked themselves in the bathroom and immediately called 911,” Zeldin said in a statement, via New York Daily News.
“They acted very swiftly and smartly every step of the way, and Diana and I are extremely proud of them.”
Sources later revealed that there was no connection between the Zeldins and the shooting.
“My daughters are shaken, but ok. Like so many New Yorkers, crime has literally made its way to our front door,” Zeldin added.
“My family is grateful to all who have reached out and we will provide another update when we can.”
Just a few months ealier, on July 21, Zeldin made headlines after he was confronted by an attacker on stage while giving a speech.
At the time, a man climbed onto the podium during his “Unite to Fire Hochul” bus tour stop and started yelling, before pulling a sharp blade on the dad-of-two.
The GOP nominee was seen wrestling with the attacker mid-speech and was dragged to the ground.
Zeldin, who was unharmed, went back on stage and finished his remarks while thanking authorities who helped take down the suspect.
Is Lee Zeldin married?
When Zeldin is not in the office or campaigning, he can often be found at home spending time with his family.
He is currently married to Diana and they share two daughters.
Despite a high-profile husband, little information is availble on Diana because she tends to stay out of the spotlight.