Former Governor George Pataki (R) served New York State from 1995 to 2007. He was first elected in 1994, re-elected twice by his constituents, and was the last Republican Governor in New York State.
When Pataki first announced he was running, he was the unheard-of state senator from Hudson Valley. But he couldn’t have done it without the help of John Powell, a former Suffolk County Republican Chairman who passed away over 10 years ago. With all the odds against Pataki, Powell unseated the three-term incumbent, Governor Mario Cuomo.
Pataki’s legislature resulted in $100 billion in tax cuts, creating over 600,000 new jobs since 1995. He is a significant cause of welfare reform and reduced welfare rolls by more than one million recipients, improving New Yorkers’ lives.
High technology research and economic growth were just three of the many things the former governor initiated during his time as governor. The Center of Excellence is a biotechnology center involved with significant research throughout New York and is one of Pataki’s most rewarding developments.
He was also the governor during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and was tasked with helping his constituents recover from the tremendous losses— including the financial losses. Pataki helped create new jobs that eventually attracted economic activity to lower Manhattan and brought strength to New York City.
As November approaches, New York has to decide on who will be the governor for the next 4 years. Current Governor Kathy Hochul (D) and Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) are in the running.
Some speculate a big Republican turnout this November, and the likelihood is increasing with Zeldin just a few points behind Hochul.
“This isn’t just a red wave,” Zeldin said at his primary victory celebration in June. “This is a common sense wave that reaches out to everybody across our state.”
Should Zeldin be elected, there are many parallels between former Governor Pataki and Zeldin, according to political observers.
Zeldin is a two-term senator in New York’s First Congressional District and was a U.S. Army military intelligence officer, prosecutor and military magistrate who served in Iraq. He also serves as Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.
He is confident in his odds this far.
“When Zeldin comes forward with a plan or a vision, there is nothing that will stop him from achieving that,” said Jesse Garcia, Chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee. “He works in a manner that will ensure the goal is the people are served first and always.”
Just last Tuesday, Pataki formerly endorsed Zeldin in Inwood, Manhattan— the location where a fatal stabbing took place at the Inwood bodega last month.
Zeldin has held campaign rallies in places where recent crimes have occurred in an effort to demonstrate that Democrats are not doing enough to reduce violent crime— accusing many of their policies of incentivizing crime.
“I’m here today for one purpose. And that’s to proudly endorse Lee Zeldin as the next governor of New York State,” Pataki said.
This endorsement comes less than two months before November 8.
With gratitude, Zeldin thanked the former governor.
“I thank Gov. Pataki for being here. He has never stopped looking after this community,” Zeldin said.
“George Pataki did a wonderful job as governor,” said Bill Ellis, Smithtown GOP Leader. “Lee will pick up the Republican ball and run with it.”
That’s exactly what Zeldin plans on doing, according to local elected officials.
“As the governor, Zeldin will ensure that residents are safe in their streets, a government that is affordable so that families don’t have to leave New York to prosper, a place where jobs and opportunities will prosper,” Garcia said.
“And one where we certainly address the quality of life. Like educating our kids, not indoctrinating our kids. And putting parents in charge of their kids’ education. That’s what you’re going to see.”
