Challenges in the Life of Lee Zeldin in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Lee Zeldin faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Lee Michael Zeldin is an American attorney, politician, and officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. He is currently the 17th administrator of the EPA, starting January 29, 2025. A Republican, Zeldin previously served as the U.S. Representative for New York's 1st congressional district from 2015 to 2023. Prior to his time in Congress, he was a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 3rd Senate district from 2011 to 2014.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2008: Challenged Tim Bishop

In 2008, Lee Zeldin challenged incumbent representative Tim Bishop in New York's 1st congressional district, but Bishop defeated Zeldin 58%–42%.

2014: Expressed Doubts About Severity of Climate Change

In 2014, Lee Zeldin "expressed doubts about the severity" of climate change.

April 2015: Introduced the Fluke Fairness Act

In April 2015, Lee Zeldin and Senator Chuck Schumer introduced the Fluke Fairness Act. The bill aimed to change the system for managing fluke fishing quotas by creating a regional approach using geographic, scientific, and economic data, but it did not pass.

July 15, 2015: Introduced the Exclusive Economic Zone Clarification Act

On July 15, 2015, Lee Zeldin introduced the Exclusive Economic Zone Clarification Act. This bill proposed amending the boundary in the federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), giving fisheries management of Block Island Sound exclusively to New York and Rhode Island. The bill died in committee.

September 2015: Condemned Proposed Federal Plan for Dumping Dredged Materials

In September 2015, Lee Zeldin and Citizens Campaign for the Environment executive director Adrienne Esposito condemned a proposed federal plan for dumping dredged materials, stating that they could not assume dumping waste spoils in the Long Island Sound was environmentally benign.

2015: New York state´s ban on hydraulic fracturing

In 2015, during his gubernatorial campaign in 2021, Lee Zeldin pledged to reverse New York state´s 2015 ban on hydraulic fracturing.

2015: No-show at House Committee hearings

In January 2016, the New York Post reported that Lee Zeldin was a no-show in 2015 at 12 of 18 House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearings that dealt specifically with ISIL and with Syria.

January 2016: Reported no-show at House Committee hearings

In January 2016, the New York Post reported that Lee Zeldin was a no-show in 2015 at 12 of 18 House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearings that dealt specifically with ISIL and with Syria.

June 2016: Iran Denied Visa Request

In June 2016, Iran called the February visa request from Lee Zeldin, Mike Pompeo, and Frank LoBiondo a "publicity stunt" and said it would deny the visas.

April 2018: Expressed Disapproval of the Paris Agreement

In April 2018, Lee Zeldin stated he did not support the Paris Agreement in its existing form, citing concerns about other countries' contributions to climate impacts and their lack of responsibility in making positive changes.

January 1, 2020: Opposed New York's Bail Reform

On January 1, 2020, Lee Zeldin opposed New York's bail reform, which eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanor and nonviolent felony charges, and repeatedly called for its repeal.

November 2020: Diagnosed with Leukemia

On September 18, 2021, Lee Zeldin announced that he had been diagnosed with leukemia in November 2020 but had achieved disease remission following treatment.

2020: Participated in Rallies Without Mask or Social Distancing

During the 2020 election campaign, Lee Zeldin participated in campaign rallies without wearing a mask or adhering to social distancing.

September 18, 2021: Announced Leukemia Diagnosis and Remission

On September 18, 2021, Lee Zeldin announced that he had been diagnosed with leukemia in November 2020 but had achieved disease remission following treatment.

2021: Pledged to Reverse New York State´s Ban on Hydraulic Fracturing

During his gubernatorial campaign in 2021, Lee Zeldin pledged to reverse New York state´s 2015 ban on hydraulic fracturing.

July 21, 2022: Attacked at Campaign Event

On July 21, 2022, Lee Zeldin was attacked at a campaign event in Perinton, New York, by David Jakubonis, who was wielding a pointed plastic key chain. The attacker was detained and later arrested on federal assault charges.