Three socialist candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won their Democratic primaries for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York on Tuesday, including two challengers who defeated incumbent Democrats.
In New York's 10th congressional district, former NYC Comptroller Brad Lander defeated Rep. Dan Goldman with approximately 66% of the vote. In the 7th district, New York State Assemblymember Claire Valdez won with about 56% of the vote. And in the 13th district, leftist community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat by less than four percentage points, according to results as of Wednesday morning.
What the Right Is Saying
Critics have pointed to controversial statements made by Mamdani-endorsed candidates. Chevalier's past social media activity drew scrutiny after resurfacing, including posts such as 'I forgot to get napkins so I just wiped my hand on the American flag behind me.' Her former X profile listed her location as 'Lenapehoking (NYC),' a reference to the ancestral homeland of the Lenape people. Mamdani said he had not seen the posts before endorsing Chevalier but stood by his decision after they became public.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who represents New York, did not endorse Mamdani in his mayoral campaign. Additionally, resurfaced social media activity from Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, has drawn criticism, including posts questioning Israel's legitimacy and liking an Instagram post that described allegations of sexual violence on October 7 as a 'mass rape hoax.'
What the Left Is Saying
The Sunrise Movement, a left-wing activist group that supported the candidates, celebrated the outcome as a sign of generational change within the Democratic Party. 'When Zohran won, it was a sign of what could happen and what was possible,' the group said in a statement. 'Young people have taken over New York City and we are going to Congress. Young people, who are unapologetically Democratic-Socialist.' The organization added in a social media post: 'WATCH OUT CHUCK SCHUMER!! YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN OVER THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY!!!'
Mamdani defended his endorsement of Chevalier after controversy arose over her past social media posts. He told CNN: 'In Congress, she'll take on corporate greed, bad landlords, and D.C.'s broken political system. At a time when power is concentrated in fewer and fewer hands, Darializa will fight in Congress for New York City's working families. She's the champion we need for a city New Yorkers can actually afford.'
What the Numbers Show
The primary results represent significant upsets in New York's Democratic congressional delegation. Lander received approximately 66% of the vote against Goldman, who had served one term in Congress. Espaillat, a seven-term incumbent, lost to Chevalier by less than four percentage points. Valdez won her state assembly seat and now advances to the federal race with roughly 56% support.
Valdez and Chevalier are members of the Democratic Socialists of America. Lander previously belonged to the organization but left following disagreements over its response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. Mamdani himself won the NYC mayoral race last November, powered by progressive and socialist organizing in the city.
The Bottom Line
The primary results highlight a shift within New York City's Democratic Party toward more progressive, democratic socialist candidates. With two incumbents ousted, these outcomes could reshape the state's congressional delegation if the winners prevail in November's general election. Mamdani's influence as mayor extends beyond city government into federal politics through his endorsements. What remains to be seen is whether national Democrats will support or distance themselves from the newly nominated candidates ahead of the general election.