Former Congressman Steve Israel endorsed Robert Zimmerman, the longtime Democratic National Committee member, in his bid to capture the party’s nomination in the 3rd Congressional District, the campaign announced.

Israel, 63, served in Congress from 2001 until his retirement in 2017. He has represented both the 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts. He is also a former chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. 

Zimmerman, 67, is co-president of ZE Creative Communications on Bond Street in Great Neck, a public relations firm he began 33 years ago with Ron Edelson.

He is seeking the congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who is running for governor.

If elected, Zimmerman would become the first announced gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens.

“I have known and worked with Robert Zimmerman for many years. And while I have a high regard for all of the Democratic candidates in NY-3, I’m endorsing him because during that time, I have seen firsthand his commitment to human rights,  protecting a women’s right to a safe and legal abortion, and supporting the relationship between the United States and Israel,” Israel said in a statement. “I am proud to endorse Robert Zimmerman for Congress.”

Since his announcement this year, Zimmerman’s campaign has raised over $900,000.

Other endorsements for Zimmerman’s campaign include former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Assemblyman Charles Lavine and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

Others running for the Democratic nomination in the district include former North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan, state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, Melanie D’Arrigo of Port Washington and Oyster Bay’s Reema Rasool.

George Santos is seeking the Republican nomination.