Robert Zimmerman for New York's 3rd Congressional District

For six years, Democrat Thomas Suozzi has represented the 3rd Congressional District well. But Suozzi's decision to run for governor opened the door for new leadership in the district whose lines were altered to stretch across the north shore of eastern Queens and Nassau County, and then dip south.

Enter Robert Zimmerman and George Devolder-Santos.

Both candidates live in the district, and both, in what is believed to be a first for a general congressional election, are openly gay. That's where the similarities end.

Zimmerman, 68, of Great Neck, is a longtime political activist and fundraiser and a member of the Democratic National Committee. He founded and co-headed ZE Creative Communications before stepping down to focus on this race; he says he'll sell his portion of the business if he wins. His firm often has profited from government work on both sides of the aisle. His deal-making background could raise eyebrows for some, but also shows an ability to work with a competing caucus. His experience gives him a deep understanding of the enormous issues that face the district and the nation, from climate change and immigration to social issues and infrastructure.

Zimmerman speaks particularly passionately about protecting democracy and his desire to serve.

"I'm not going to Congress because I want to run for another office. I'm not going to Congress to play games or get a pension," Zimmerman said. "I believe very deeply and proudly in the concept of a citizen legislature. I'm going to serve and hopefully, I can make a difference."

Zimmerman takes clear positions on issues, supporting "reproductive freedom for women" and a ban on assault weapons and limits to magazines. Zimmerman also advocates a path to citizenship for the millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States along with stepped-up border security, including the use of drones, and added staffing and infrastructure for the nation's asylum system.

Zimmerman appropriately spotlights the environment, noting that he'd like to see infrastructure dollars go toward protecting Long Island Sound and improving water quality. On issues where he's more hesitant, such as the plan to toll Manhattan's central business district, Zimmerman is at least thoughtful and nuanced, suggesting it should be delayed as former commuters still weigh a return to the office.

Devolder-Santos seems to lack such nuance. The Whitestone Republican has said he was at the Ellipse in Washington for the "Stop the Steal" rally and former President Donald Trump's speech on Jan. 6, 2021. Devolder-Santos' apparent defense of those who rioted at the Capitol is troubling. "Imagine breaking into your own house and being charged with trespassing," Santos said on a recording made in February 2022 at a "restore public safety" vigil, adding that he was funding efforts to "help some of them out."

That stance is more disturbing considering that Devolder-Santos has made fighting crime and backing law enforcement a top issue. He has tried to pin Zimmerman to state bail reforms in which the Democrat played no role. Devolder-Santos' rhetoric has been disingenuous at best.

On other issues, Devolder-Santos is more of a blank slate. Throughout the campaign, Devolder-Santos, 34, has pivoted to platitudes and vague promises, with few specific plans or new ideas. He distressingly supported Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' so-called "Don't Say Gay" legislation, saying it would "protect values," and he recently compared abortion to slavery, calling both "barbaric."

At other times, Devolder-Santos avoided taking a position altogether. When the Newsday editorial board attempted to interview him, Devolder-Santos, who works in finance, canceled a scheduled meeting and then rejected repeated attempts to reschedule. But he has said enough to show himself to be too extreme to skillfully or appropriately represent Long Island in Congress.

Zimmerman's ideas position him as a moderate Democrat with clear priorities and a path to getting them done. He differs in some ways from Suozzi, as when he expresses no interest in joining the Problem Solvers Caucus, saying he disapproves of its structure and requirements. But he promises to work with Republicans as needed. As a freshman, Zimmerman might be limited in what he can accomplish but by seeking a spot on committees like education and labor, or veterans' affairs, he should have a voice on topics that matter back home.

Newsday endorses Zimmerman.