Bronx GOP backs Zeldin for guv

We don’t hear about Republicans too often in the Bronx, but they are here — and they have a rather big voice when it comes to politics in the rest of the state.

Lee Zeldin is depending on that, after picking up the Bronx Republican endorsement in his run to return the governor’s mansion back to the GOP.

“We have seen what one-party rule has done to New York City — higher crime, higher taxes, and a lower quality of life,” said Bronx County Republican Committee chair Mike Rendino, in a release. “We need a fighter who will support our men and women in blue, drive down our cost of living, and restore our neighborhoods back into the communities we love.”

Zeldin is a Suffolk County congressman who is trying to clear a field that has been mostly quiet on his side of the aisle.

Democrats, on the other hand, seem more than ready to back the incumbent, Kathy Hochul, although there remains a few others in the party seeking to challenge her. Hochul took over the office last year after Andrew Cuomo’s resignation.

The governor won an early election victory when state attorney general Letitia James — who many considered a leading contender for the role — decided to stay in her top prosecutor role.

Bowman gets boost from Gillibrand

U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman will no longer represent this part of the Bronx come the next congressional election, but he’s already racking up key endorsements from the party establishment.

The latest comes from U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who praised the congressman’s work in helping to establish a permanent nationwide schools meal program.

“From championing public education and schools to fighting for working families, Rep. Bowman is a tireless advocate for his constituents,” Gillibrand said, in a release.

“Rep. Bowman’s collaborative nature and dedication to his community are exactly what’s needed in this moment, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Bowman’s district will move further north at the beginning of the year, making Ritchie Torres this area’s new rep.