Shifting Stances in New York’s 7th District
Even if you lean toward socialism, money remains a powerful force.
The candidate for New York’s 7th District, backed by Mamdani and famous for his anti-business stance, has now indicated a willingness to accept help from a well-funded super PAC, signaling a significant change from his previously strong ideals as he aims for a House seat.
Claire Valdez, a Democratic Socialist State Representative, has previously vowed to sever ties with special interest groups. In his bid for the presidency, he stumbled through vague responses about his shifting economic views before finally admitting that adapting his strategy might pave a better path to victory.
“Honestly, we have a campaign to win,” Valdez finally expressed after being pressed by fellow candidates City Councilmember Julie Wong and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso during a debate on NY1.
Just three months ago, the aspiring congresswoman firmly rejected assistance from any political action committee, emphasizing her reliance on small-dollar donations.
“Absolutely no super PACs. Just no,” she stated during a forum on March 10th.
Yet, since then, her campaign has started subtly coaching outside supporters on how to best lend their support. This method, identified as “red boxing,” is a contentious workaround to election laws prohibiting coordination between candidates and PACs, with tips cleverly concealed in actual red boxes on campaign sites.
Recently, a new super PAC, backed by pro-Palestinian contributors and also supporting pro-Mamdani initiatives, revealed it would spend $2 million to assist Claire Valdez, alongside Daliaza Avila Chevalier in the NY-13 primary and Brad Lander in the NY-10 state race.
All three candidates enjoy Mamdani’s backing.
Notably, one prominent donor to the PAC is a Texas businessman critical of Israel, who has financed a range of far-left and far-right candidates, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, in ways counter to traditional American support for Israel.
During Wednesday’s debate, Wong initially pressed Valdez regarding borrowing practices, asking, “Can you clarify? How do you plan to tackle Citizens United?”
In her defense of the change in position, Valdez pointed to spending by other organizations.
“At this moment, AIPAC, cryptocurrencies, and AI are investing millions to sway the 2026 election,” Valdez noted.
“I will never take funding from PACs, fossil fuel interests, or the real estate sector,” she added, though it felt like her stance might be shifting yet again.
The 7th Congressional District encompasses sections of northern Brooklyn and western Queens. It is currently represented by Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez, who has opted not to seek re-election.
