The Conservative Party of New York state on Saturday formally designated its slate of statewide candidates for office this year, officially backing Rep. Lee Zeldin's bid for governor.
The designation this weekend took place on the eve of the state Republican convention to be held this week on Long Island.
Zeldin, a Suffolk County congressman, received the party's formal backing along with his preferred candidate for lieutenant governor, Alison Esposito. The Conservative Party also backed Michael Henry for state attorney general and Paul Rodriguez for state comptroller.
“Over the last 10 months, it’s been an honor to earn strong, early support from every corner of our state, especially the principled members of the New York State Conservative Party," Zeldin said “Under the leadership of Chairman Kassar, the Conservative Party understands that this election is bigger than any one of us. This election is a fight for the future of our state, a fight to restore New York to glory, and it is an honor to carry the Conservative Party banner in this battle for the heart and soul of New York."
Zeldin faces former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, former Trump administration official Andrew Giuliani and businessman Harry Wilson for the Republican nomination. So far, Zeldin has locked up 60 out of 62 county Republican chairs ahead of the convention this week.
The party's designation does not preclude a potential June primary, which Zeldin's rivals for the nomination have said they intend to wage this spring.