New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's endorsed candidates won three Democratic House primary races on Tuesday, marking a significant victory for the progressive wing of the party. The wins included upsets against two incumbent representatives, signaling a potential shift in the Democratic Party's direction.
Key Victories
In New York's 10th Congressional District, former City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman. Lander, endorsed by Mamdani, ran on a platform critical of pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC, which had backed Goldman. Lander's victory was decisive, with early returns showing him leading by a wide margin.
In the 13th District, community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier narrowly defeated Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Chevalier, also endorsed by Mamdani, ran a campaign that emphasized progressive policies and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. The race was closely watched and turned contentious in its final days, with allegations of racial and religious slurs against Chevalier.
In the open 7th District race, state Assemblymember Claire Valdez won the primary to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez. Valdez, another Mamdani-backed candidate, defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who had the support of Velázquez and other establishment figures.
Context and Implications
The victories represent a challenge to the Democratic Party establishment, which has been led by figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Mamdani's success in endorsing progressive candidates suggests a growing influence of the democratic socialist movement within the party.
The races also highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel policy. Lander and Chevalier both criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, while Goldman and Espaillat had more supportive views of Israel. AIPAC's involvement in the races, particularly its backing of Goldman, became a focal point in the campaigns.
The victories are expected to solidify Mamdani's political influence as he seeks to expand the progressive movement's presence in Washington. The winners are heavily favored to win their general elections in November, given the Democratic leanings of their districts.
Other Notable Races
In New York's 12th District, Micah Lasher defeated state Assemblyman Alex Bores to succeed Rep. Jerry Nadler. The race drew significant attention due to heavy spending by political action committees affiliated with major artificial intelligence companies.
In Maryland, state Delegate Adrian Boafo won the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer. Boafo received endorsements from Hoyer, Gov. Wes Moore, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks. Moore also won the Democratic primary for governor, positioning himself as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.
In South Carolina, Attorney General Alan Wilson won the Republican gubernatorial primary runoff, setting up a general election contest in November.