ICYMI: Zeldin “Shying Away” From Anti-Abortion Record
Abortion Rights Are a Top Issue Among Voters From Both Parties
NEW YORK – New reporting from City & State exposes Lee Zeldin’s failed attempt to distance himself from his anti-abortion record. But Zeldin has already made it clear he supports dangerous and deeply unpopular positions that would undo New Yorkers’ reproductive rights.
According to a recent Siena poll, voters from both parties strongly agree that abortion should be legal and overwhelmingly oppose the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. In addition, a new Gallup poll shows that abortion rights are top of mind for voters, a major jump for the issue since Gallup began tracking mentions of abortion in 1984.
While Zeldin may attempt to hide his extreme anti-abortion agenda, New Yorkers will see right through him.
Highlights from the story below.
City & State: Lee Zeldin has shied away from his anti-abortion stance – but will it sway voters?
By Sara Dorn, 8/2/22
[…] Gov. Kathy Hochul made clear that abortion rights would be a hallmark of her campaign while addressing supporters after securing the Democratic nomination, and since then, she’s repeatedly hammered Zeldin for his anti-abortion record.
Even before the decision was handed down, Zeldin, who previously voiced support for Roe v. Wade’s reversal, began shying away from his anti-abortion stance as he ramped up his campaign for governor. […]
According to a new poll released Tuesday, Zeldin’s support for Roe v. Wade’s reversal is in contrast to the views of the majority of New Yorkers. Sixty-eight percent are opposed to the decision, according to a Siena College survey released Tuesday of 806 likely voters conducted between July 24 and July 28. Notably, half of Republican voters, along with 88% of Democrats and 75% of Independents, also said that abortion should be always or mostly legal. […]
“In the past, pro-life candidates seeking statewide office in New York have usually called Roe v. Wade settled law that would not have a role in state government,” Republican strategist Susan Del Percio said. “That is no longer the case. With the exception of some unforeseen mega event, there is no longer a path for a pro-life candidate to win statewide office in New York.” […]
Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, said Zeldin’s stance on abortion, coupled with his “race-baiting rhetoric” will hurt him among some voters. “There’s no such thing as pro-life. He’s anti-choice. The framing matters especially for Democrats and Independent voters. He believes women can’t and shouldn’t choose,” she said.
While Zeldin has attempted to water down his anti-abortion stance in some respects, on the day of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, he cheered the decision in a statement that said “Today is a victory for life, for family, for the constitution, and for federalism.”
GOP consultant Tom Doherty said the statement “slammed shut” the opening the GOP had at regaining control of the governorship […]
Hochul’s spokesperson Jen Goodman said […] “Lee Zeldin can’t hide the facts about his extreme record on abortion rights. He has made it clear that if elected, he would implement a far-right, anti-abortion agenda that would severely restrict New Yorkers’ right to choose. With Roe overturned, governors are the last line of defense and this is a wake-up call to what’s at stake in New York if Zeldin gets elected.”