Biography
Lee Michael Zeldin, born on January 30, 1980, is a celebrated American attorney, politician, and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served as the U.S. Representative for New York’s 1st congressional district from 2015 to 2023, representing the eastern part of Suffolk County. Prior to Congress, he was a New York State Senator from 2011 to 2014.
Known for his conservative views and alignment with former President Donald Trump, Zeldin defended Trump during the first impeachment hearings related to the Trump-Ukraine investigation. He also strongly supports Israel, having co-founded and co-chaired the House Republican Israel Caucus.
In 2022, Zeldin ran for Governor of New York as the Republican nominee, ultimately losing to incumbent Kathy Hochul. However, his campaign achieved notable success, securing the highest vote percentage for a Republican gubernatorial candidate in New York since 2002 and the highest raw vote count since 1970.
In his military career, Zeldin served in the Military Intelligence Corps and was deployed to Iraq in 2006 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He continues to serve in the Army Reserve, where he has attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Raised in Suffolk County, New York, Zeldin graduated from William Floyd High School and later earned a political science degree from the State University of New York at Albany. At 23, he became the youngest practising attorney in New York after earning his law degree from Albany Law School. His background in law and military service has strongly influenced his focus on veterans’ issues, tax policy, and counter-terrorism in public office.
Former United States Representative
Lee Zeldin | |
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Wiki Facts & About Data | |
Real Name: | Lee Michael Zeldin |
Stage Name: | Lee Zeldin |
Born: | 30 January 1980 (age 44 years old) |
Place of Birth: | Long Island, New York, United States |
Nationality: | American |
Education: | William Floyd High School, State University of New York at Albany, Albany Law School |
Height: | 1.98 m |
Parents: | David Zeldin, Merrill Schwartz |
Siblings: | Lisa Zeldin |
Spouse: | Diana Zeldin |
Girlfriend • Partner: | N/A |
Children: | Arianna Zeldin, Mikayla Zeldin |
Occupation: | Politician • Attorney |
Net Worth: | $2 million-$3 million (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Lee Zeldin, born on January 30, 1980, in East Meadow, New York, is an American politician, attorney, and United States Army Reserve officer. Of Jewish descent, with grandparents who emigrated from Russia and Austria, Zeldin identifies as Jewish, a facet that has significantly influenced his life and political stance, particularly his support for Israel.
His father, David Zeldin, served as a police officer in New York City, while his mother, Merrill Schwartz, was a teacher. Zeldin has at least one sibling, a sister named Lisa Zeldin.
Zeldin‘s educational journey began at William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach, where he was active in sports and music. He later attended the State University of New York at Albany, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2001. After his undergraduate studies, he pursued law at Albany Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2003. Notably, he became the youngest attorney in New York State at the time of his bar exam success at age 23.
Career
Lee Zeldin’s career spans law, military service, and a notable political journey. After earning his law degree from Albany Law School and being admitted to the New York State Bar in 2004, he initially worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In 2008, he opened his own law firm in Smithtown, New York, where he handled a variety of legal cases.
His military path began with a commission through Army ROTC, leading to active duty from 2003 to 2007, including a 2006 deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. After active duty, he continued in the Army Reserve, where he currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Entering politics in 2010, Zeldin was elected to the New York State Senate, focusing on property tax reform, veterans’ issues, and education until 2014. He then served as the U.S. Representative for New York’s 1st district until 2023, advocating for conservative policies, aligning closely with Donald Trump, and serving on committees such as Foreign Affairs and Financial Services. During his time in Congress, he was a strong supporter of Israel and opposed Iran’s nuclear program.
In 2022, Zeldin ran for Governor of New York, energizing Republican voter turnout despite not winning the race. He founded Zeldin Strategies, a strategic consulting and public relations firm, after his congressional career. In November 2024, Donald Trump nominated him as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, underscoring his ongoing impact on public policy.
Social Media
- Instagram: Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin)
- Twitter: Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) / X
- Facebook: Lee Zeldin
Personal Life
Lee Zeldin is married to Diana Zeldin, who was born Diana Terry Gidish. Diana, of mixed ethnicity with some sources suggesting Hispanic heritage, is a practising Mormon and works as an IP Specialist, though she maintains a low public profile.
The couple has identical twin daughters, Arianna Zeldin and Mikayla Zeldin, who were born prematurely but have since grown into healthy young women.
Lee Zeldin himself stands at an imposing height of 6 feet 6 inches. Public details about his dating history before meeting Diana are sparse, but their relationship has been characterized by mutual support, particularly in Zeldin‘s political endeavours.
Net Worth
Lee Zeldin‘s net worth is estimated to be around $2 to $3 million. His wealth primarily stems from his career in public service, where he served as a U.S. Representative for New York’s 1st congressional district, and his previous role in the New York State Senate.
Additionally, his background as an attorney before entering politics and his military service in the U.S. Army contribute to his financial standing. Zeldin‘s annual congressional salary was $174,000, and he likely has investments in real estate, including his home in Shirley, New York, which adds to his net worth.
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