Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed Nancy Goroff for Congress in New York’s 1st district on Friday.

Goroff is challenging incumbent Republican Representative Lee Zeldin, who has won three times in this district.

If elected, Goroff, who was chair of the chemistry department at Stony Brook University, would be the first woman in Congress with a science PhD. 

“Suffolk County deserves elected leaders who rely on facts and data to guide their decision-making, not someone who continues to play politics and sow division,” Lieutenant Governor Hochul said. “Nancy Goroff’s background as a scientist will help lead us out of this public health crisis, rebuild our economy, and protect our environment. She will be a strong partner in Congress for Long Island, and I am proud to endorse her for New York’s 1st Congressional District.”

Goroff beat Congressional Democratic candidate Perry Gershon in the June primary by about 600 votes.

“I am grateful to have the support of Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul,” Nancy Goroff said. “She has been a tireless fighter for New Yorkers, from protecting our health care in Congress to being an advocate for working families and small businesses as Lieutenant Governor. Kathy knows what it’s like to win tough races. I’m honored to have her on our team.”