On Tuesday, a significant shift occurred in New York as it experienced a surge of socialism with notable electoral outcomes.
It appears that most Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates favored incumbents and established Democrats in the state legislative primaries.
Of the eight candidates endorsed by the DSA, seven are projected to win their primaries, which would increase the representation of leftist groups from nine to 14 in Albany.
If these results remain consistent and continue through the general election in November, Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s DSA allies could secure four seats in the 63-member state Senate and 10 positions in the 150-member state assembly. Currently, Republicans hold 22 seats in the state Senate and 47 in the assembly.
In a surprising turn, three incumbent Democrats from Brooklyn and Queens, often referred to as the “communist corridor,” lost to DSA challengers. This includes Reps. Eric Dylan, Stephanie Zinerman, and Jennifer Rajkumar, according to early voting data.
Jordan Wright, a Harlem representative, is the sole sitting member of Congress likely to fend off a DSA-backed challenge.
The DSA Candidates in Focus
Christian Celeste Tate
Tate, a nonprofit activist, was anticipated to unseat Rep. Eric Dylan with approximately 62% of the vote, according to numerous precincts reporting.
With backing from both the DSA and the Working Families Party, Tate secured significant support in the area’s socialist strongholds.
Dylan, whose father was a former state senator, has been part of the Legislature since 2015 but faced a primary loss in 2018.
Eon Huntley
Challenger Huntley defeated Rep. Stephanie Zinerman, securing 58% of the vote based on near-complete precinct tallies.
Initially, Huntley had aimed to run against Zinerman in 2024 but opted for the earlier contest instead.
The DSA supports policies like decriminalizing prostitution and reforming sentencing guidelines.
David Orkin
Orkin, a lawyer and union organizer, ousted Rep. Jennifer Rajkumar in the Queens primary, earning about 59% of the votes.
Rajkumar, known for her distinctive red dresses, had been a close associate of a former mayor.
Aba Kawas
Kawas, a DSA member and candidate who once made controversial remarks about 9/11, garnered enough votes to win the Democratic nomination for a state Senate district in western Queens.
The civil rights advocate won against Rep. Stephen Raga with 60% of the vote.
Kawas has also been associated with the contentious Islamic charity CAIR, which has drawn criticism for its alleged connections to Hamas.
Ilapa Sirtupak
Sirtupak secured a win in a crowded Democratic primary for the Lower East Side and Chinatown, receiving about 36% of the vote to replace outgoing Councilwoman Grace Lee.
The 29-year-old activist previously lost to Lee in an earlier election.
Diana Moreno
Rep. Moreno successfully won a special election for the Queens Assembly seat left vacant by Mamdani. She triumphed over a primary challenge, obtaining 78% of the vote.
Samantha Kattan
Kattan, projected to take over the western Queens seat previously held by House candidate Claire Valdez, received a robust 67% of the votes against her opponent.
Even though prominent socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez didn’t endorse Kattan, Mamdani and the DSA provided their support, contributing to her victory.
Other Key State Elections
Conrad Blackburn
Blackburn’s attempt to unseat Harlem’s long-standing representatives did not succeed. Jordan Wright retained his seat with about 54% of the votes.
Diana Ayala
Former Councilman Ayala defeated incumbent Eddie Gibbs in Harlem with 52% of the vote, showing significant support among Hispanic lawmakers.
Jessica Gonzalez Rojas
Voters opted against state Sen. Jessica Ramos in favor of her primary challenger, Rep. Gonzalez Rojas, who won with 48% as Ramos trailed behind.
Brian Romero
Backed by Mamdani, Romero easily won his primary in the Queens House District with about 67% of the vote.
Eli Northrup
Northrup prevailed in the Democratic primary for the 69th Congressional District on the Upper West Side, securing 60% of the votes against Rabbi Stephanie Lasky.
This victory marks his second attempt after an earlier loss in 2024, as he garners support from key progressive figures.
