Six-term incumbent Congressman Tim Bishop fell to challenger Lee Zeldin Tuesday by a wide margin.
Zeldin, a New York State Senator from Shirley, took 54.8% of the vote to Bishop’s 45.2%.
It’s a stark contract to 2008, when Zeldin first attempted to unseat Bishop. That time, Zeldin mustered 41.6% of the vote to Bishop’s 58.4%.
Bishop, of Southampton, is a Democrat who was also endorsed in 2014 by the Independence and Working Families parties. Zeldin, a Republican, also had the endorsement of the Conservative Party.
Following his election, Zeldin released this statement:
“Tonight Long Island voters sent a clear message to Washington that the status quo is totally unacceptable to us, and that we want a better path forward for America.
I wish Congressman Tim Bishop well following twelve years of important service to the residents of the First Congressional District.
I am so grateful for all of the support from our amazing volunteers throughout the course of this entire campaign. Hundreds of supporters dedicated so much of their personal time to walk door to door, make phone calls, and otherwise spread the word to make victory possible.
In Congress, I will fight tirelessly every day to restore the American dream for my family and yours by working to grow our economy and create good paying private sector jobs, securing our borders and America’s interests abroad, fighting for our veterans who have fought for us, repealing and replacing Obamacare and improving the quality of education in our schools.
Now is the time for new leadership and a fresh perspective.”
Lee Zeldin — 89,564
Tim Bishop — 73,860
Write-in — 106
