Lee Zeldin endorses Donald Trump for president

Zeldin, who narrowly lost to Democrat Kathy Hochul in the New York gubernatorial race last year, announced his endorsement on Twitter, stating that Trump would be the GOP's nominee for the 45th and 47th President of the United States.

"Our nominee in 2024 will be the 45th & 47th POTUS, Donald Trump,” Zeldin wrote.

“Our economy will be stronger, our streets will be safer, & our lives will be freer. He has my full support!”

The endorsement was quickly celebrated by Donald Trump Jr.

Zeldin has become one of New York's most influential Republicans after coming within five points of unseating Hochul in the blue state. Zeldin considered running for the Republican National Committee chairmanship, but ultimately decided not to run against eventual winner Ronna McDaniel.

Zeldin's announcement comes after Trump was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury for allegedly making hush-money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal ahead of the 2016 election.