The House Democrats' campaign committee on Wednesday added Long Island congressional candidate Nancy Goroff to its "Red to Blue" program. 

Goroff is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin in the 1st congressional district on Long Island. Zeldin is speaking this evening at the Republican National Convention. 

Goroff qualified for the program after reaching and surpassing grassroots engagement, fundraising, local support and organization metrics set by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Thirty-three candidates have been named to the program in the country. 

“The economic and health crisis gripping our country, coupled with a total lack of direction and failed leadership from the Trump Administration, means everyday Americans are turning to folks with the grit and know-how it takes to navigate these uncertain times. Nancy Goroff is just the leader Long Island families are looking for,” said DCCC Chairwoman Cheri Bustos. “Nancy Goroff is a scientist, an educator, and a mom who will bring fact-based solutions to the table to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing Suffolk County families.”  

Democrats this year hope to make further in roads in suburban New York counties. Zeldin, a former state lawmaker, won the district in 2014, unseating Democratic Rep. Tim Bishop. 

A DCCC-backed poll showed Goroff and Zeldin in a virtual tie, 48 percent to 46 percent, while former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump in the district by 6 percentage points.