WASHINGTON: Several candidates endorsed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani emerged victorious in Democratic primary contests for the US House of Representatives on Tuesday, underlining the growing influence of the progressive wing within the Democratic Party.
Mamdani, 34, who assumed office as New York City mayor in January after an unexpected electoral breakthrough driven by his democratic socialist agenda, has rapidly become one of the most influential figures in American progressive politics. His rising profile has prompted political observers to describe him as a potential kingmaker as Democrats continue to debate the party’s ideological direction ahead of November’s midterm elections.
One of the most closely watched races took place in New York’s 10th Congressional District, where former city comptroller Brad Lander defeated incumbent Congressman Daniel Goldman. The contest was marked by sharp divisions over the conflict in the Middle East, with Lander advocating an end to US military assistance for Israel, while Goldman received backing from prominent pro-Israel organisations, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
In another notable upset, Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated long-serving Congressman Adriano Espillat in the 13th Congressional District. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Avila Chevalier gained attention for her activism and involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. Her victory marks a significant political breakthrough, as she has never previously held elected office.
Progressive candidate Claire Valdez also secured victory in the 7th Congressional District. Backed by Mamdani, Valdez won the contest for the seat being vacated by veteran Democratic lawmaker Nydia Velázquez, defeating Antonio Reynoso and further strengthening the influence of the party’s left-wing faction.
Meanwhile, Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former US President John F. Kennedy, failed in his bid to enter Congress. Schlossberg, who campaigned as a progressive reformer and called for significant changes within the Democratic Party, sought to succeed retiring Congressman Jerry Nadler in New York’s 12th Congressional District.
The race was ultimately won by state assemblyman Micah Lasher, who benefited from Nadler’s endorsement. Mamdani did not endorse any candidate in that contest. The results are likely to intensify discussions within the Democratic Party over whether its future lies with centrist politics or the increasingly influential progressive movement. With the midterm elections approaching, Tuesday’s primaries offered a fresh indication that left-leaning candidates continue to gain momentum in key Democratic strongholds.
