New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani cast his early ballot on Saturday as early voting continues ahead of the city's primary election on Tuesday, June 23. Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, has been actively campaigning for his endorsed candidates as part of his "Our Team, Our Year" slate, urging supporters to vote before Election Day.
Among the closely watched races is New York's 10th Congressional District, where former NYC Comptroller Brad Lander is challenging two-term Rep. Dan Goldman. In the 7th District, State Assemblymember Claire Valdez is seeking to succeed Rep. Nydia Velázquez, while community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier is challenging five-term Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District. Mamdani has endorsed Valdez, Lander, and Avila Chevalier, arguing that electing progressive candidates will advance his agenda at the federal level.
Mamdani and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) headlined a "Get Out the Vote" rally in Brooklyn on Thursday, promoting Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates. However, Mamdani did not endorse DSA-backed NYC Councilmember Che Ossé in his bid against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, leading to Ossé's withdrawal from the race. Jeffries will now automatically become the Democratic candidate in November.
The primaries are seen as a test of Mamdani's influence and the broader rift between the Democratic Party's progressive and centrist factions. Some candidates, like Assemblymember Alex Bores, have highlighted the challenges of advancing progressive policies, such as AI regulation, within the party. Bores, running in the 12th District, has criticized the Democratic leadership for watering down his AI safety bill, the RAISE Act.
Mamdani has warned that the Democratic Party risks losing the White House in 2028 unless it shifts course. He argued that the party has focused on "managing decline" rather than delivering material change for working people. The outcomes of Tuesday's primaries will provide insight into the strength of the progressive movement within the Democratic Party.