Lee Zeldin

Lee M. Zeldin is an American politician and lawyer who served as a U.S. Representative for New York's 1st congressional district from 2015 until 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Zeldin has been involved in various political roles, including his tenure in the New York State Senate prior to his election to the House. He is recognized for his alignment with conservative policies and has been an active participant in legislative matters concerning foreign affairs, financial services, and various caucuses focused on issues such as addiction and climate change. Following his congressional career, Zeldin was appointed as the 17th administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in January 2025.

Early life and career

Lee M. Zeldin was born on January 30, 1980, in East Meadow, New York. He is the son of Merrill Schwartz, a fourth-grade teacher, and David Zeldin, a private investigator. Zeldin's parents divorced during his childhood, and he was raised in Shirley, a community on Long Island. His upbringing included a Jewish cultural background, and he attended Hebrew school. Zeldin graduated from William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach, New York, in 1998.

Zeldin pursued higher education at the State University of New York at Albany, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2001. He continued his studies at Albany Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2003. After passing the bar exam, Zeldin became the youngest lawyer in New York at that time when he was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2004.

In addition to his legal career, Zeldin served in the United States Army. He received a commission as a second lieutenant through the Army ROTC program and was active in the Army from 2003 to 2007, initially serving in the Military Intelligence Corps. After transitioning to the Army Reserve, he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in April 2025.

Zeldin's legal career began with a role as an attorney for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in 2007. He then established a general-practice law firm in Smithtown, New York, which he operated until his election to the New York State Senate in 2010.

House tenure

Zeldin's political career at the federal level began when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, challenging incumbent Tim Bishop in New York's 1st congressional district. Zeldin was unsuccessful in that election, receiving 42% of the vote compared to Bishop's 58%. However, he returned to the political arena in 2014, announcing his candidacy for the same congressional seat. Zeldin won the Republican primary and subsequently defeated Bishop in the general election, securing 54% of the vote.

Zeldin was re-elected to the House in subsequent elections, including 2016, 2018, and 2020. Throughout his tenure, he faced various opponents but maintained a strong presence in his district. In 2016, he won re-election with 58% of the vote against Democratic nominee Anna Throne-Holst. In 2018, he again ran unopposed in the Republican primary and defeated Democratic challenger Perry Gershon in the general election with a margin of 51.5% to 47.4%. In 2020, Zeldin faced Nancy Goroff, winning with 54.9% of the vote.

During his time in the House, Zeldin was involved in various committee assignments, including the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Financial Services. He served on several subcommittees, focusing on issues such as the Middle East, terrorism, housing, and investigations. Zeldin was also a member of multiple caucuses, including the House Republican Israel Caucus, which he co-chaired, and the Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus.

Legislative focus and committees

Zeldin's legislative focus during his time in the House encompassed a range of issues, reflecting both his personal interests and the needs of his constituents. His work on the Committee on Foreign Affairs involved addressing international relations, particularly concerning the Middle East and terrorism. As a co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus, Zeldin was an advocate for policies that supported Israel and strengthened U.S.-Israel relations.

In addition to foreign affairs, Zeldin's role on the Committee on Financial Services allowed him to engage in discussions related to housing, insurance, and financial oversight. His participation in the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations highlighted his commitment to accountability and transparency in government operations.

Zeldin's involvement in various caucuses demonstrated his engagement with pressing social issues. He was a member of the Bipartisan Heroin and Opioids Task Force, reflecting a concern for the opioid crisis affecting many communities. His participation in the Conservative Climate Caucus and the Climate Solutions Caucus indicated a focus on environmental issues, while his co-chair role in the Long Island Sound Caucus illustrated his dedication to regional environmental matters.

In April 2021, Zeldin announced his candidacy for governor of New York in the 2022 election, further solidifying his presence in state politics. Although he did not win the gubernatorial race, his campaign underscored his ongoing influence within the Republican Party and his commitment to public service.

Zeldin concluded his tenure in the House on January 3, 2023, after serving four terms. His political career has been marked by a consistent alignment with conservative principles and a focus on issues pertinent to his constituents in New York's 1st congressional district. Following his congressional service, he transitioned to a role as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, continuing his involvement in public policy and governance.