The campaign for longtime Democratic National Committee member Robert Zimmerman announced an endorsement from the Mamaroneck Town Democratic Committee as he bids for his party’s nomination in the 3rd Congressional District.
Mamaroneck officials said Zimmerman will be effective in Washington and stands as a pragmatic, progressive candidate.
“Robert Zimmerman’s progressive values shined through during the endorsement process for the Mamaroneck Democrats and made it clear he will be an effective Congressman who will fight for us and with us every day,” said Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney in a statement. “We particularly applauded his inclusive approach to learning about us and our local issues as we look to protect our environment, prioritize affordable housing, improve our water and sewer infrastructure, and keep our downtown business districts thriving. We look forward to campaigning with him in the coming months.”
“I am happy to support Robert Zimmerman, he represents a pragmatic progressivism that we need to move this nation and our district forward,” said Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy. I believe he has the intelligence and skill to get things done in Washington and also tend to the needs of the Sound Shore.”
Zimmerman said he will fight for issues important to Mamaroneck such as affordability and safety.
“I have truly enjoyed the time spent getting to know Mamaroneck’s diverse neighborhoods and wonderful people, including the members of the Mamaroneck Democratic Committee,” Zimmerman said in a statement. “As Mamaroneck’s next Member of Congress, I pledge that I will fight every day to keep it affordable and safe in the spirit of its progressive values and leadership. We know that we have to tackle climate change and flood mitigation and deliver infrastructure improvements that will protect the Long Island Sound and advocate for a full restoration of the SALT tax deduction. I am eager to hit the ground running and look forward to taking the advice of the Mamaroneck Democratic Committee on tackling these critical issues. I am truly humbled by their endorsement.”
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.
Since his announcement, Zimmerman’s campaign said it has raised over $500,000.
If elected, Zimmerman would become the first gay member of Congress from Long Island and Queens.
Other endorsements for Zimmerman’s campaign include former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Assemblyman Charles Lavine and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
According to newly drawn lines, the 3rd Congressional District will include several areas in Westchester County and the Bronx along with Manhasset, Roslyn, Port Washington, Great Neck, Floral Park, and Whitestone, Queens, among other areas, and stretches to Kings Park in Suffolk County.
Following the approval of new congressional maps by state legislators, a Republican-led group filed a lawsuit claiming the Democrats gerrymandered the districts to retain control of the House.
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, Oyster Bay’s Reema Rasool and Melanie D’Arrigo of Port Washington.
The Democratic congressional primary is slated for June 28.
George Santos and Kevin Surdi are seeking the Republican nomination.
