Former US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Republican candidate Lee Zeldin in the fiercely contested New York governor race. The endorsement, announced via Trump's social media platform, has sparked heated debates and drawn sharp reactions from both sides of the political aisle.
Zeldin, a staunch Trump ally and current US Representative, is vying to unseat Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul. Trump's backing is seen as a significant boost for Zeldin's campaign, potentially galvanising the Republican base in a traditionally blue state.
Political Reactions
Democrats have swiftly condemned the endorsement, with Hochul's campaign labelling it as "a desperate move by extremists." Meanwhile, Zeldin's team has welcomed Trump's support, framing it as validation of their candidate's conservative credentials.
What This Means for New York
Political analysts suggest this development could dramatically alter the dynamics of the race. While Trump remains popular among Republican voters, his polarising figure might alienate moderate and independent voters in New York.
The endorsement comes at a critical juncture, with polls showing a tightening race between Hochul and Zeldin. As the campaign enters its final stages, all eyes will be on how this high-profile backing influences voter sentiment in the Empire State.
