Lee M. Zeldin, Congressional District 2

LEE M. ZELDINREPUBLICAN

BACKGROUND: Zeldin, 34, of Shirley, is an attorney who is serving his second term in the State Senate. He also has the nomination of the Conservative Party for the November election. Zeldin unseated freshman Democratic incumbent Brian X. Foley in 2010, attacking him for his support of the MTA payroll tax. As a senator, Zeldin has won repeal of saltwater fishing license fees and obtained funding for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Before winning his senate seat, Zeldin had run an unsuccessful race for Congress against Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton). Zeldin graduated from the University at Albany and received his law degree from Albany Law School. He served four years in the U.S. Army, including in Iraq, and is currently in the Army Reserves. Zeldin is married and has twin daughters.

ISSUES: Zeldin says he opposes the Affordable Care Act and will work to replace it with what he called "real health reform." He said he also believes in bipartisanship and "prides myself on being an independent thinker." He said he wants to improve the business climate by eliminating excessive federal mandates, simplifying the tax code, reducing tax rates and cutting wasteful spending.