Aiming To Unseat Zeldin, 5 Candidates Face Off In Dem Primary

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A heated primary race is set to unfold Tuesday as five Democratic candidates face off for the chance to unseat Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Republican, who is running for his second term representing the 1st Congressional District.

Zeldin was endorsed by the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties, according to the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

Throwing their hats into the proverbial ring on Tuesday are former Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning, who said as a legislator, she "fought for Suffolk County’s working families. She successfully controlled spending and held the line on taxes, cracked down on illegal housing and made protecting our precious environment a focus."

On his campaign page, businessman Perry Gershon said he's "fed up. Lee Zeldin, Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are leading the effort to take away health care for millions of Americans, putting special interests and personal profit first and fighting against the interests of the people of Long Island. It's time Long Island had a strong voice to fight for high-paying jobs, affordable health care, high-quality education and clean air and water," he said.

Former Suffolk County Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher take the stance of "transforming progressive ideals into sound policies for the future of Long Island and the nation." She says she's combining progressive ideals with the experience to govern, and the legislative experience necessary to take action. As a Suffolk County legislator, Vivian Viloria-Fisher has translated her commitment to progressive values into real results."

Elaine DiMasi served for 21 years as a National Laboratory Scientist on Long Island. "Time after time I’ve seen how science and imagination connect us — and dare us to dream of what’s possible. I believe if we harness that spirit, together we can be a force for good in the next great chapter of New York’s first congressional district and our nation," she said.

David Pechefsky was a longtime staffer for the New York City Council, working on issues "ranging from protecting children from lead poisoning to promoting green buildings," his campaign page said. He also, he said, helped over 2,000 units of senior housing get built and helped secure millions of dollars for youth, health, senior, and housing programs.

Zeldin, meanwhile, will be joined by former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, former deputy assistant to President Donald Trump, and former Congressman Chris Gibson on Thursday, June 28 at his campaign kickoff rally at the Smithtown Elks Lodge in Smithtown.

The Democratic primary takes place Tuesday, June 26, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To find your polling place, click here.