Republicans Lee Zeldin and Andrew Garbarino both leading in Long Island congressional races
Two Long Island Republicans seeking seats in the House continued to hold strong leads over their Democrat opponents Wednesday morning — but so far neither congressional race has been called.
Three-term Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin continued to fend off Democrat challenger Nancy Goroff in the 1st Congressional District, with over 61% of the votes, polls show.
State Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino was leading against Democratic candidate Jackie Gordon to succeed retiring GOP Rep. Pete King in the 2nd Congressional District, with over 58% of the votes, according to the polls.
Zeldin claimed victory Tuesday, but the race has not been officially declared.
Goroff, chair of the chemistry department at Stony Brook University, and Zeldin, a strong Trump supporter and lawyer, most notably clashed over the nation’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare and public safety.
She called the coronavirus response in the U.S. “incompetent," while Zeldin praised Trump for doing a “phenomenal” job handling the disease that’s taken more than 230,000 American lives.
Goroff also attacked Zeldin for backing Trump for touting hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19.
Zeldin has proven to be a loyal defender of Trump, backing him vocally during the impeachment proceedings.
He has called for the repeal of Obamacare, while Goroff wants to maintain it and broaden access to Medicare.
Both candidates made the case that they are pro-law enforcement, but Zeldin tried to tar Goroff as a radical for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Goroff has called for an end to racial profiling in law enforcement.
The GOP incumbent maintained a significant fundraising advantage, raising a total of $6.9 million from political donors, compared to Goroff’s $4.6 million.
For full national election results, click here.
