Lee Zeldin Biography Career Family Military Service EPA Leadership
Lee Zeldin is an American politician, attorney, and former U.S. Army officer serving as the 17th Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This biography explores his early life, education, military service, political career, family, major achievements, and leadership in public office.
Lee Zeldin is an American politician, attorney, and former U.S. Army officer serving as the 17th Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Before leading the EPA, he represented New York’s 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023 and was the Republican nominee in the 2022 New York gubernatorial election.
His career spans military service, law, state government, and national politics. From serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army to holding leadership positions in Congress and the federal government, Zeldin has built a career in public service. This biography covers his early life, education, military background, political journey, personal life, major achievements, and current role at the EPA.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Lee Michael Zeldin |
| Known As | Lee Zeldin |
| Profession | Politician, Attorney, Army Veteran |
| Nationality | American |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Current Position | Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
| Education | University at Albany (SUNY Albany), Albany Law School |
| Military Service | U.S. Army Reserve |
| Spouse | Diana Zeldin |
| Children | Twin daughters, Mikayla and Arianna |
| Residence | Long Island, New York |
Early Life and Education
Raised in Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, Lee Zeldin developed strong ties to the community he would later represent in public office.
He attended the University at Albany, part of the State University of New York system, before earning a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School. At the age of 23, he became one of New York’s youngest attorneys at the time, marking the beginning of his legal career.
Military Service
Military service became an important part of Zeldin’s early professional life. He served as a Military Intelligence Officer, prosecutor, and military magistrate in the U.S. Army.
In 2006, he deployed to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division. Alongside his political career, he continued serving in the U.S. Army Reserve for many years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2025 after more than two decades of service.
Political Career
New York State Senate
Public office began with his election to the New York State Senate, where he served from 2011 to 2014. During this period, he represented communities on Long Island and focused on issues affecting his district.
U.S. House of Representatives
Election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014 marked the next stage of his career. Representing New York’s 1st congressional district from 2015 to 2023, he completed four terms in Congress.
While serving in the House, he supported bipartisan legislation involving Long Island Sound, PFAS contamination, the Sea Grant Program, the Great American Outdoors Act, and the Save Our Seas Act. He also served on congressional committees and became a prominent Republican voice on national policy issues.
2022 New York Governor Campaign
The Republican Party selected Zeldin as its nominee for governor of New York in 2022. His campaign emphasized public safety, the economy, and state government issues.
Although he was defeated by incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, the campaign significantly increased his national profile.
EPA Administrator
A new chapter began when President Donald Trump nominated Zeldin to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Following Senate confirmation, he was sworn in as the EPA’s 17th Administrator on January 29, 2025. The position places him in charge of the federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment while implementing national environmental policies.
Since taking office, he has overseen agency initiatives, traveled across the country in his official capacity, and directed major environmental policy and regulatory efforts.
Major Achievements
- Served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve for more than two decades.
- Deployed to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division.
- Served in the New York State Senate.
- Represented New York’s 1st congressional district for four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- Became the Republican nominee for Governor of New York in 2022.
- Confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 17th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Supported bipartisan legislation related to environmental conservation and water quality.
Personal Life
Lee Zeldin is married to Diana Zeldin, and they have twin daughters, Mikayla and Arianna.
The family has long maintained ties to Long Island, where Zeldin has spent much of his life and public career.
Career Timeline
| Year | Career Milestone |
| 2006 | Deployed to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division |
| 2011 | Began serving in the New York State Senate |
| 2015 | Entered the U.S. House of Representatives |
| 2022 | Republican nominee for Governor of New York |
| January 2025 | Sworn in as the 17th EPA Administrator |
| 2025 | Retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as Lieutenant Colonel |
Legacy and Public Impact
Military service, legal experience, and elected office have shaped Zeldin’s public career. His work in the New York State Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the EPA reflects a long record of government service.
As Administrator of the EPA, he continues to influence environmental policy while remaining an active figure in American politics.
FAQs
What is Lee Zeldin known for?
He is known for serving in Congress, running for governor of New York in 2022, and serving as the 17th Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
What political party does Lee Zeldin belong to?
Lee Zeldin is a member of the Republican Party.
Did Lee Zeldin serve in the military?
Yes. He served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, including a deployment to Iraq in 2006.
Who is Lee Zeldin’s wife?
His wife is Diana Zeldin.
Does Lee Zeldin have children?
Yes. He and Diana Zeldin have twin daughters, Mikayla and Arianna.
What is Lee Zeldin’s current role?
He serves as the 17th Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Key Takeaways
- American politician, attorney, and Army veteran.
- Served in the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2014.
- Represented New York’s 1st congressional district in Congress from 2015 to 2023.
- Republican nominee for Governor of New York in 2022.
- Sworn in as the 17th EPA Administrator in January 2025.
- Retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2025.
Conclusion
Lee Zeldin’s career reflects a steady progression through military service, law, state government, Congress, and federal leadership. Each stage has contributed to his role as a prominent figure in American public service.
As the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, he remains actively involved in shaping national environmental policy while continuing a career built on public and military service.