The Suffolk County Law Enforcement Coalition hosted a press conference at PBA Headquarters in Brentwood to announce their endorsement of Congressman Lee Zeldin for Governor of New York State on Tuesday.
President of the Suffolk County Police Benevolence Association, Noel DiGerolamo, said, “Congressman Zeldin has a family of law enforcement and has always been a staunch supporter of the men and women that wear the blue that are ready to sacrifice themselves at a moments notice.”
“He understands the sacrifices that law enforcement makes; he understands the sacrifices that their families make.”
Thus far, Zeldin appears to be both the presumptive Republican and Conservative Parties’ candidate for Governor. He has tailored his campaign around repealing bail reform, a contentious issue in the state, as well as quality-of-life concerns.
Since the passage of bail and the repealing of Section 50-a, there has been a decisively marked shift in tone and support amongst state law enforcement professionals against politicians who support the measure.
In a Facebook post, Zeldin said, “For far too long, Democrats controlling Albany have focused on placating their far-left base at the expense of the safety of everyday New Yorkers and our brave men and women in blue. On November 8, 2022, when New Yorkers make a major change at the ballot box, we must repeal cashless bail, enact a Law Enforcement Bill of Rights, repeal the Less is More Act, Fire Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and take back our streets from the criminals who have ravaged them. Once again, we will be able to look our law enforcement officers in the eyes and say, ‘Albany has your back.’”
Even on the Democratic side of the aisle, Congressman Suozzi has come out against bail reform in his long-shot run against Presumptive Democratic Nominee Governor Hochul. He is among a small band of Democrats speaking out against bail reform and other so-called criminal justice reforms coming out of Albany.
On Hochul’s left flank, Public Advocate of New York City Jumaane Williams is running on the Working Family Party line. Williams is likely to push Hochul further to the left on already contentious issues in the general election, such as criminal justice reforms.
There was a strong showing for Zeldin amongst his Republican and Conservative Parties’ colleagues in Suffolk County, with Legislators Leslie Kennedy, Nick Carracappa, Steve Flotteron, Kevin McCaffrey, and Dominic Thorne lending their support for Zeldin. County-wide elected official John M Kennedy Jr. was also there to champion Zeldin. Each official donned ‘Law Enforcement for Zeldin: Governor” signs in a full-fledged show of support.
“As crime continues to skyrocket, our neighbors and police officers are constantly being put in harm’s way. Unsupported by Democrat leaders in Albany who continue to implement laws that undermine public safety, the Suffolk County PBA, Superior Officers Association, Detectives Association, Probation Officers Association, Detective Investigator’s PBA, Suffolk County Police Conference, Amityville and Northport Village PBAs joined local Suffolk County Legislators to show their support for the presumptive Governor nominee, Lee Zeldin,” reads the endorsement by the Suffolk County Law Enforcement Coalition.
Zeldin is expected to hold campaign events in Erie and Niagra Counties later in the week.
