Former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin dished on Donald Trump’s chances in the Empire State on Thursday, saying the state will be “tough” for any Republican to win — but that the former president has a huge surge compared to 2020 and his presence in the city will help down-ballot races.
“It’s certainly uphill for any Republican to win statewide. But the president isn’t going to dismiss the reality that he’s getting stronger and stronger in this state,” Zeldin said in a phone interview with The Post.
“The final results will show that regardless of whether or not he’s able to capture those electoral votes,” he added, noting that New York is a “tough state,” but that “there are many reasons” why Trump has made many stops there.
The Long Islander lost his gubernatorial bid to Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022 and is no stranger to the Democrat hold on the state. His 2022 gubernatorial run did get him within the closest margins to winning the race in 20 years, getting him within single digits of victory. He said he’s seen a swing for Trump and electrified voters while he’s been on the stump for him.
Trump has zigzagged New York City in small retail appearances, stopping by bars and shops to talk to voters about making the city safer and bringing it back to its glory. His Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday drew tens of thousands and thousands more were turned away and watched his speech at nearby bars, while his Nassau County rally had supporters waiting in line for nearly a full day to get in.
Zeldin noted that voter registration numbers are “trending right” and that polling numbers show Trump within a better margin than past election cycles, when he was defeated by over 20 points.
“The president undoubtedly is going to do much better this year than the results from 2020. And the effects of whatever the final tally are far-reaching,” Zeldin said.
RealClearPolitics has Vice President Kamala Harris polling an average of 17 points ahead of Trump.
The Trump presence in the Big Apple, he said, gives an edge to Republicans fighting to keep their seats in the state and also gives the former president the opportunity to extend his reach to neighboring states and dominate the media market.
“President Trump at the top of the ticket is in a very good place in the state to be leading efforts to ensure that when it gets to Washington, there’s a Republican House to work with,” Zeldin said of the New York GOP’s chances for the House.
The New York bid is also a personal endeavor for Trump, the former representative added.
“I also think that the president’s efforts in New York are personal. They hit close to home. This is where he’s from. He helped build much of the city and the city helped build him.”
Trump has previously spoken to The Post about how much a win in New York would mean to him as a native New Yorker. His son Barron Trump is also attending college at New York University.
“I love New York, I’ve always loved New York and we’re going to give New York a big play,” Trump said in September at the Pubkey bitcoin bar in Manhattan.
“I’d love to win New York, it hasn’t been won in many, many decades.”
As for his future with the real estate mogul, Zeldin was tightlipped about what position he would want in a possible administration, despite previously telling The Post he’s be open to the call.
“All that matters is Nov. 5. We have to get President Trump elected and a Senate and a House to work with,” he said.
