Reynoso Announces Congressional Bid in Brooklyn

Antonio Reynoso, the Brooklyn Borough President, has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming vacant House seat in New York, representing a notably progressive district.

At 42, he becomes the first major contender to enter the race for New York’s 7th Congressional District, set to be open next year as Rep. Nydia Velasquez retires after an impressive 16 terms.

Reynoso expressed his admiration for Velasquez, stating, “Nydia is a hero, a mentor and a friend.” He previously served on the City Council for the 34th District.

He continued, “She was a progressive trailblazer who laid the foundation for an entire generation of New Left voices at every level of government, and no one can replace her. But we must continue her fight, and we will continue that fight because the need has never been greater.”

Reynoso’s campaign was first reported by The New York Times.

This election is shaping up to be significant for both local and national Democrats, especially as they weigh the influence of the far-left faction that aided in the recent mayoral victory of socialist Zoran Mamdani.

Moderate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has pushed back against the idea that Mamdani’s wing represents the future of the Democratic Party as he seeks to regain a majority in Congress.

Despite not being affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, Reynoso was an early backer of Mamdani. It remains uncertain whether the next mayor will align with progressive values or if the DSA will support candidates aiming for the open seat.

Potential candidates also include Queens City Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán, state Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Rep. Claire Valdez, all of whom are members of the New York City DSA. Another state senator, Julia Salazar, had also sparked rumors but quickly dismissed them on social media, stating, “I have no intention of running for Congress.”