Political Heavyweights Endorse Great Neck Man For Congress

GREAT NECK, NY — Longtime DNC member and Great Neck businessman Robert Zimmerman has scored the support of multiple political heavyweights in his bid to represent New York in Congress.

Zimmerman, 67, announced Tuesday that he is running for New York's 3rd Congressional District seat — which is being vacated by Rep. Tom Suozzi. If elected, Zimmerman will be the first openly gay representative in Congress from Long Island and Queens.

In a span of several days, Zimmerman has won the endorsements of New York State, Nassau County, and Town of North Hempstead leaders, past and present — including State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, State Assemblymember Charles Levine, former County Legislator Ellen Birnbaum, and former Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth.

DiNapoli, who has known Zimmerman for years, said he would make an "extraordinarily effective member of Congress" given his background in business and experience in politics.

Before becoming co-president of ZE Creative Communications, Zimmerman worked as a Congressional aide for Reps. Lester Wolff and James Scheuer — who represented parts of Long Island and Queens. He continued to help lawmakers in the district by advising longtime Rep. Gary Ackerman.

"Robert's background as a young congressional staffer, as a Long Island businessman, and in public service has prepared him for this moment," DiNapoli said. "He will make an extraordinarily effective member of Congress and I am proud to endorse his candidacy."

Similar to DiNapoli, Lavine said Zimmerman's understanding of Washington and his service to local communities are what make him "uniquely qualified to advocate effectively in Congress." Lavine added that he was looking forward to the prospect of working with him.

Birnbaum described Zimmerman as an "intelligent, articulate, and congenial individual ... who we can count on to do the right thing and bring results to our district."

And Bosworth said he will be a reliable champion for constituents, even in the face of opposition.

In a statement announcing his bid for office, Zimmerman said too many people "feel overlooked and unseen," and that it's up to elected officials "to restore people's confidence that our government is there for them."

"It is my commitment to lift up the voices of those who are not being heard," he said. "Whether it's veterans, middle-class families trying to balance the pressures of everyday living, or our senior citizens, people in our communities deserve to have a Member of Congress that they can trust will have their back."

The issues he sees as priorities include LGBTQ+ rights, Medicare for all, women's reproductive health, gun safety, a two-state solution in the Middle East, climate change, and addressing the state and local tax deduction on federal taxes.

Zimmerman, who pledged to not accept any corporate PAC contributions, joins a growing field of Democrats running for Suozzi's seat. The race includes former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan, Port Washington's Melanie D'Arrigo, and Oyster Bay's Reema Rasool.

New York's 3rd Congressional District encompasses Nassau County's North Shore, parts of northeastern Queens, and parts of northwestern Suffolk County.