From the first day of my campaign, I have always done my best to be a team player, and my north star has always been to do whatever it takes to flip this district blue, restore serious leadership to my hometown, and ensure that Leader Hakeem Jeffries becomes Speaker Hakeem Jeffries. That is why today, I am ending my campaign for Congress.

Nominating Tom Suozzi is our best chance to flip this district blue and end the toxic hold that MAGA Republicans have on Long Island and Congress at large. I have spent the past five months knocking on doors, speaking to voters, and energizing donors across the district. I look forward to continuing that work to win this election and to inspire the next generation of leadership.

This moment is too important for an intra-party fight. All of our collective energy needs to be on electing a Democratic majority who can deliver relief for the American people, aid for Israel, and support for Ukraine. Tom Suozzi was the first candidate I knocked doors for in 2009, and just like then, I will be doing everything in my capacity to return Tom’s leadership to the district and deliver the Speaker’s gavel to Hakeem Jeffries.

When I decided to enter this race, in addition to wanting to represent Nassau County and Queens, I wanted to show what a first-time candidate is capable of achieving—and set in motion the next generation of Democratic leadership in New York State. We have done just that on this campaign—knocking doors for local candidates, rebuilding the local political party, and talking about Democratic values of affordability and access to a better life to the voters of Nassau County and Queens.

In less than a year, we've shown everyone that a campaign rooted in community, and with sights set on a brighter future for us all, isn’t just possible—it is strong enough to be a top contender. And we've set in motion a new generation of leadership that isn't going away. I love my community, I love this state, and I love what we've built together. Let’s keep going.

With gratitude,

Zak Malamed