New York's congressional candidates are making their final arguments Monday, the last full day of campaigning before primary elections that will test whether Mayor Zohran Mamdani can leverage his political momentum to reshape the city's House delegation.
The races have become bellwethers of Mamdani's influence. The young democratic socialist, who ignited excitement in last year's mayoral race, has been actively promoting a slate of three candidates for Congress, appearing in campaign videos and hosting a rally with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders to boost his picks just before the election.
"The party of the past will not be what leads us into the future. We need a Democratic Party with backbone," Mamdani said at the event.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive candidates backed by Mamdani argue that the primary presents an opportunity for change in a Democratic Party they say has grown too cautious. Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist challenging U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat in a district covering northern Manhattan and part of the Bronx, said voters are ready for new leadership.
Espaillat was the first Dominican American elected to Congress. In recent debates, Avila Chevalier apologized for inflammatory social media posts she made in her 20s, including one about former Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she regretted the content.
In Brooklyn, Claire Valdez, a former state Assembly colleague and democratic socialist ally of Mamdani, is running to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez. Valdez has framed herself as a potential Mamdani ally in Washington who would push for more aggressive progressive policies.
Former city Comptroller Brad Lander, who received Mamdani's endorsement in his challenge to U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, has emphasized his alliance with the mayor. Lander appeared at City Hall during the Knicks' NBA championship celebration and argued that Goldman has not done enough to advance the administration's agenda.
What the Right Is Saying
Establishment Democrats and incumbents argue that their experience and legislative track records make them better positioned to deliver results for their districts. Espaillat's campaign has highlighted Avila Chevalier's past social media posts, attempting to portray her as an unserious candidate unprepared for Congress.
Goldman, who did not endorse Mamdani during his mayoral race, has sought to shift attention to his productivity in Congress, pointing to legislation he has passed and constituent services he has provided. His campaign argues that institutional knowledge matters when navigating federal government.
In the closely watched Manhattan race featuring Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, several Democratic leaders have backed state Assembly member Micah Lasher, who has deep experience in New York government. They argue that Lasher's years working in Albany make him the most effective candidate for the district.
Antonio Reynoso, the Brooklyn borough president running to succeed Velazquez, noted that he and Valdez share many similar progressive views but argued that his administrative experience running a borough of 2.6 million people gives him an edge in delivering results in Congress.
What the Numbers Show
The primary elections will determine nominees for several House seats representing New York City. Espaillat has served three terms in Congress after first being elected in 2016. Goldman was elected in 2022. Velazquez, who would be succeeded by either Reynoso or Valdez, is the longest-serving Latina in Congress, having been first elected in 1992.
Schlossberg's campaign has attracted significant attention due to his family name and large social media following. He has rallied with David Letterman and his mother, Caroline Kennedy, recorded a campaign ad for him. However, he faces competition from two state Assembly members in the race representing parts of Manhattan.
The races are occurring amid broader discussions about AI regulation in Washington. Alex Bores, one of Schlossberg's opponents, has centered his campaign on proposals to regulate artificial intelligence and has highlighted the millions of dollars that technology companies are spending to oppose his run. George Conway, an attorney who was once married to a top Trump adviser but later became a critic of the president, is also in the race.
The Bottom Line
Tuesday's primaries will serve as an early test of Mamdani's political influence beyond City Hall. His success or failure in helping elect congressional allies could shape his leverage in future policy battles and establish whether his progressive coalition can translate mayoral victory into House gains.
The outcomes will also determine the trajectory of several districts that have been held by incumbent Democrats for years. If challengers like Avila Chevalier, Lander, or Valdez prevail, they would bring more progressive voices to a Congress already navigating debates over housing, healthcare, and economic policy.
Voters in these districts will choose between candidates who argue either that new perspectives are needed or that institutional experience is essential for effective representation. Election results are expected by Wednesday morning.