Former New York Governor George Pataki has officially endorsed retired NYPD cop Alison Esposito for the GOP nomination in the race for the 18th Congressional District, signaling a significant development in the upcoming political contest. Esposito, who previously served as the running mate for GOP gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin in 2022, now seeks to challenge first-term Democratic Representative Pat Ryan in the Hudson Valley’s highly contested district.
Pataki’s endorsement of Esposito underscores the growing momentum behind her campaign and highlights her credentials as a candidate capable of delivering much-needed leadership and integrity to the state. Speaking on Monday, Pataki praised Esposito as a “beacon of hope and resilience” in a time when New York is in dire need of strong and principled leadership.
Esposito’s distinguished career, particularly her 25-year tenure with the NYPD, has earned her widespread respect and admiration. Pataki lauded her exemplary service in protecting the streets of New York City, emphasizing her embodiment of the spirit of duty and courage that defines the state.
With roots in the Hudson Valley himself, Pataki’s endorsement carries considerable weight in local political circles. His backing of Esposito adds significant credibility to her candidacy and further solidifies her position as a formidable contender for the GOP nomination.
In response to Pataki’s endorsement, Esposito expressed gratitude and reiterated her commitment to restoring New York to its former glory. Drawing on Pataki’s legacy of exemplary leadership during challenging times, Esposito pledged to bring commonsense solutions and principled representation to Washington and New York.
Esposito’s retirement from the NYPD as a deputy inspector, coupled with her experience as Lee Zeldin’s running mate in the previous gubernatorial race, positions her as a candidate with a unique blend of law enforcement expertise and political acumen. Her candidacy represents a fresh and promising direction for the Republican Party in the Hudson Valley’s 18th Congressional District.
As the race heats up, Esposito’s endorsement by George Pataki serves as a significant milestone, setting the stage for a competitive and closely watched contest in the upcoming election cycle.
Stay tuned for more updates as the campaign progresses and candidates vie for support ahead of the primary elections.