Mamdani-backed progressives oust incumbents in New York Democratic primaries
Democratic socialist candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have defeated three sitting officials in congressional primaries, including two members of the US House of Representatives.
Democratic socialist candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have secured significant victories in New York’s congressional primaries, defeating establishment-backed incumbents and allies. Key results include Darializa Avila Chevalier ousting sitting Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Brad Lander defeating two-term incumbent Dan Goldman, and Claire Valdez defeating Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. These outcomes mark a notable shift towards the left within the New York Democratic Party, occurring exactly one year after Mamdani’s mayoral victory with support from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist who helped organise pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, defeated Adriano Espaillat, the leader of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Brad Lander, a former city comptroller and progressive fixture, defeated two-term incumbent Dan Goldman. Claire Valdez, a state Assembly Member, defeated Antonio Reynoso, the handpicked successor of retiring US Representative Nydia Velazquez.
The results signal a significant shift towards the left within the New York Democratic Party ahead of the November midterm elections, which will determine control of the US Congress. The victories come ahead of the November midterms, which will determine control of Congress and impact President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda.
Mamdani celebrated the wins across the city, stating, "A year ago, it was not the end of a political movement. It was the beginning." In a separate race, Democrat Jack Schlossberg (grandson of John F. Kennedy) failed to secure the nomination in a crowded field for a seat vacated by Jerry Nadler. Establishment-backed candidate Micah Lasher won his primary, defeating figures including anti-Trump activist George Conway.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries responded by stating, "We have agreed to strongly disagree," and argued that a handful of primaries would not reshape the House Democratic caucus. Mamdani declared the victories the beginning of a “new era” for politics in New York City.
