President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Stefanik, a Trump ally since his first term, will vacate her North Country congressional seat, likely sparking a competitive special election in the GOP-leaning district.
Zeldin, who ran for New York governor in 2022, is set to spearhead a new regulatory approach at the EPA, aligning with Trump’s “America First” agenda. Both Stefanik and Zeldin expressed enthusiasm about serving in Trump’s cabinet, with Stefanik emphasizing her support for Israel and stance against antisemitism as priorities at the U.N.
Republican and Democratic leaders are already considering candidates for Stefanik’s seat, with names like State Sen. Dan Stec and Assemblyman Billy Jones circulating as potential replacements.
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