Mamdani‑Backed Candidates Capture New York’s Democratic Primaries

Thu Jun 25 2026 11:35:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsements claim victory in three districts, pushing the NYC Democratic Party further left amid Israel‑Gaza debates.

In a clean sweep, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsements prevailed in three Democratic primaries across New York City. A progressive challenger routed two‑term congressman Dan Goldman in the 10th district, while Assemblywoman Claire Valdez and doctoral student Darializa Avila Chevalier won the 7th and 13th seats respectively. The victories underscore a growing left‑wing momentum driven by calls to abolish ICE, tax the wealthy and criticize Israel’s actions in Gaza. In contrast, establishment Democrats fear the new caucus may struggle to attract swing voters in November’s midterms.

Mamdani‑Backed Candidates Capture New York’s Democratic Primaries

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s bipartisan support flared into a decisive victory for three progressive challengers across three districts, marking a significant shift toward a left‑leaning Democratic Party in the city.

In the 10th congressional district, progressive candidate Brad Lander, backed by Senator Bernie Sanders, defeated incumbent Dan Goldman 65.7% to 34.1%. Lander’s campaign highlighted Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza as genocide, a stance that resonated with voters weary of a pro‑Israel establishment stance.

The 7th district saw Assemblywoman Claire Valdez unseat Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, cementing motherhood‑led community leadership as a winning formula for new Progressive voices.

In the 13th district, doctoral candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier flipped the seat from Adriano Espaillat, a long‑time Hispanic caucus chair, after rallying around a platform that includes abolition of ICE and a wealth‑tax proposal.

Mamdani lauded the victories, describing each candidate as “of clarity, of conscience and of conviction.” He also emphasized that “the goal is to elect better Democrats who re‑center working people at the heart of politics,” a message that resonated with the assembly of voters who witnessed a tight turn of seat allotment.

Opposition from establishment Democrats notes that the left‑wing platform may not translate into broader electoral appeal for midterm races. Democratic leadership, represented by House Leader Hakeem Jeffries, signaled caution while acknowledging that the shift may inform future policy priorities.

The outcomes punctuate a growing tension between the progressive and mainstream wings of the Democratic Party, especially as debates over Israel’s conduct in Gaza intensify. These primary outcomes set a new political tone for New York City as the nation returns to midterm elections next month.