Mike Pence becomes latest Republican leader to back Lee Zeldin for NY governor

Mike Pence turned the newest Republican chief to endorse Lee Zeldin.
AP

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Suffolk) is including former Vice President Mike Pence to the listing of Republican leaders backing his marketing campaign for governor forward of the June 28 major election.

“Proud to endorse @leezeldin for Governor of New York on the @cpnys  at this time! He’s a Lt Col within the Military Reserve, proud supporter of our law enforcement officials, advocate for folks’ rights in training & a fiscal Conservative who will combat for decrease taxes, much less regulation & extra freedom!” Pence tweeted Wednesday evening. 

The previous VP introduced his help for the Lengthy Island Republican at a Wednesday occasion in Manhattan hosted by the state Conservative Social gathering after beforehand internet hosting a fundraiser in Zeldin’s honors earlier within the yr.

Endorsements, polls and fundraising recommend Zeldin has a lead within the race towards former White Home staffer Andrew Giuliani, businessman Harry Wilson and former Westchester Government Rob Astorino.

Pence made his endorsement public on Twitter this week.

AP

Each the state Republican and Conservative events have formally endorsed Zeldin in addition to GOP elected officers like Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).

However the race nonetheless stays up within the air with days to go.

Pence formally acquired behind Zeldin a day after the last debate among the many GOP candidates the place he confronted an onslaught of assaults over his file as a state senator and member of Congress. 

“Does VP Pence know that Lee Zeldin as soon as touted Andrew Cuomo for president and whereas within the state senate was a dependable vote for Cuomo?  Both manner, it should haven't any impact on the race,” Astorino texted Wednesday whereas echoing earlier assaults on Zeldin voting in favor of a state finances as a senator.

Giuliani likewise tried to show the Pence endorsement towards Zeldin.

“Definitely we’ve picked up loads of patriot teams in Suffolk County as properly, that weren't proud of the Pence fundraiser and the [Rep. Andrew] Garbarino endorsement. I’m positive they’re not going to be very blissful about Pence endorsement now at this level,” Giuliani mentioned.

Former President Donald Trump, who reportedly agreed with calls to hold Pence after his VP refused to assist overturn the 2020 election, has but to select sides within the race regardless of efforts by Zeldin, Giuliani and Astorino.

“We will likely be speaking right here within the subsequent couple of days,” Giuliani mentioned. 

The 4 candidates had been requested to select sides between Trump and Pence at a Tuesday evening debate hosted by Newsmax.

“How would you describe your self politically, on a scale from, Pence to Trump?” moderator Eric Bolling requested.

Zeldin was criticized by candidate Rob Astorino in a Wednesday textual content.

AP

Giuliani mentioned he was between Trump and his well-known father, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani whereas Astorino talked about that he had defended Trump up to now on CNN.

Wilson emphasised his identification as a small authorities conservative whereas Zeldin mentioned he particularly tried to fulfill Pence and Trump lovers alike.

“It doesn't matter what the 2 names are that you simply’d point out, it’s necessary to all the time be my very own man,” Zeldin mentioned.