Social Democratic Candidates Win Key Primaries in New York

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his slate of progressive candidates scored decisive victories over Democratic establishment-backed contenders in Tuesday's congressional primaries across New York state. The results unseated two sitting lawmakers, showcasing the significant political power of the democratic socialist mayor of America's largest city.

Specifically, Representative Adriano Espaillat, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and was serving his fifth term, lost to candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier. Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist who organized pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, was Mamdani's most controversial pick.

In another race, two-term incumbent Representative Dan Goldman was defeated by former city Comptroller Brad Lander, a veteran of New York's progressive wing and a frequent supporter of the social democratic movement. Additionally, Mamdani ally State Assemblymember Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who was chosen by retiring Representative Nydia Velazquez as her successor.

Tuesday's primaries determine which candidates will represent their parties in November's midterm elections. The outcomes will significantly influence which party controls Congress and thereby has the power to support or obstruct President Donald Trump's legislative agenda in his final two years.

Most New York congressional districts are solidly left-leaning, meaning primary winners are all but assured victory in the November general election.

The Tuesday wins represent a major political gamble for the 34-year-old mayor, whose influence is on the rise. They also pose a potential headache for Democratic leaders, who fear Mamdani and his loyalists could push the party too far left ahead of November's midterms.

The success sends an undeniable message to Democratic leaders in Washington, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who campaigned against Mamdani's candidates and lost. Mamdani and his group openly advocate for fundamental changes on key issues, particularly Israel's war in Gaza and the cost of living.

Speaking at Valdez's victory party in Brooklyn, Mayor Mamdani declared: 'A year ago, this was not the end of a political movement. It was the beginning.' Later, at Avila Chevalier's celebration in Manhattan, he added: 'We are showing there is a new political path for our city and our country.'

In Washington, Leader Jeffries downplayed the impact of Mamdani-backed candidates. He said of Mamdani: 'We agree there is strong disagreement. There are 215 members in the House Democratic caucus. A small number of primaries tilting one way or another in a few states will not redefine who we are as House Democrats.'

In another development, Jack Schlossberg, 33, the grandson of the late President John F. Kennedy, lost his bid for a House seat vacated by retiring Representative Jerry Nadler. Mayor Mamdani did not endorse in that race. Democratic leaders celebrated the victory of state Assemblymember Micah Lasher, a longtime establishment figure, who won a race that also included anti-Trump activist George Conway and Assemblymember Alex Bores, whose AI control proposals faced opposition from the tech industry.

Mayor Mamdani, who has been praised in his first six months in office, made a major push to back three congressional candidates challenging establishment-backed contenders.