Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics Republican Lee Zeldin Wed., Feb. 23, announced the selection of New York City Police Department Deputy Inspector Alison Esposito as his preferred candidate for lieutenant governor. The state GOP convention will take place next week. Zeldin made the announcement in Manhattan, outside of One Police Plaza, saying Esposito's decision to run for lieutenant governor is "bad news for the criminals who think these streets belong to them." Zeldin's choice comes as public safety issues are a priority for anyone seeking statewide office this year. A Siena College poll this week found 91 percent of voters polled believe crime and public safety are serious or very serious concerns. Democrat Tom Suozzi (SWah-zee), who is challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul in a Democratic primary for governor, has also called for changes to the state's bail reform legislation, as has Mayor Eric Adams in New York City.  Esposito's bid for lieutenant governor makes her the latest candidate for the job. Suozzi last week selected former New York City Councilmember Diana Reyna as his preferred running mate. "I will fight for the future of our state, the future of my niece and nephews and the future of all New York's children," Esposito said. In New York, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run separately in party primaries and the winners are later joined on a ticket in the general election. Mismatches can occur. The GOP field for governor in recent days has grown in the days leading up to the Republican convention. Zeldin faces former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, former Trump administration official Andrew Giuliani and businessman Harry Wilson for the Republican nomination. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.