According to Nick Langworthy, chairman of the New York State Republican Party, there is now one presumed Republican nominee for governor.
“Lee Zeldin, congressman from Suffolk County, who has been on nine statewide tours," Langworthy told Capital Tonight. "He’s campaigned in all 62 counties, in some counties as many as six times. I’ve never really seen a candidate go with a rapid pace that Lee Zeldin set in this process. He just set himself above the other candidates and that’s why he was so successful.”
Aside from Zeldin, there are five Republicans seeking the nomination for governor. Former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, former Trump administration official Andrew Giuliani, Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli and businessman Derrick Gibson.
When asked if he would remain neutral until after the primary, Langworthy said no.
“We had a vote today," Langworthy said. "We have a presumed nominee and that nominee is Lee Zeldin. I expect he will be the formally nominated candidate. I will be doing joint appearances with Congressman Zeldin."
Langworthy’s goal is to prevent a costly Republican primary.
“This is the same jury that any potential candidate for governor will face in February or March when we have our legal state convention to nominate a candidate," Langworthy said. "I don’t believe opinions are going to change much at this point."