lee zeldin governor race
Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y.
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
  • A Long Island congressman announced on Thursday that he plans to run for NY governor in 2022.
  • Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin tweeted that he'll take on Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "abuse & self dealing."
  • Zeldin would be the Empire State's second Republican governor in over 45 years.
  • See more stories on Insider's business page.

Lee Zeldin, a Republican Congressman from Long Island, announced on Thursday that he plans to challenge New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2022.

Cuomo would be seeking a fourth term, and has deflected questions of whether he would decline to run for reelection amid multiple ongoing scandals.

Known for defending Donald Trump no matter the circumstances, Zeldin made his announcement on Fox News.

The congressman also tweeted his desire to run for governor in 2022, decrying Cuomo's "multi-million dollar self-congratulatory book deals, cover-ups, abuse & self-dealing."

So far, the only other Republican fueling speculation of a potential gubernatorial run is Andrew Giuliani, a former Trump staffer and the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

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