The Democratic primary in New York is set to kick off early voting on Saturday, showcasing a number of significant races led by far-left candidates backed by Mayor Zoran Mamdani. These candidates are aiming to unseat more moderate incumbents.
This election could alter the political landscape, as the local Democratic Socialist Party of America seeks to expand its influence both locally and on a national scale following Mamdani’s surprising win last year.
“He’s in the best position he’s ever been, and it’s crucial for Mamdani to keep this momentum going,” commented a left-leaning Democratic strategist.
“Every election, regardless of the outcome, is a chance for grassroots organizing,” they added, pointing out that the New York City DSA has its first socialist mayor, highlighting that both parties need each other.
With numerous congressional and state seats on the line, early voting is set from June 13 to June 21, leading up to the election on June 23. A significant turnout is anticipated.
Here are some noteworthy races.
House District 7
One congressional candidate endorsed by Mamdani is Claire Valdez, a DSA member currently serving as a state representative in Queens’ 7th District. She aims to fill the position left by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who has backing from retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velasquez.
Valdez holds support from the DSA and Mamdani, while Reynoso is also backed by the progressive Working Families Party, leading to tensions within the left-wing Democratic factions.
Queens City Councilwoman Julie Wong is also contesting, and her candidacy might pull votes away from either Valdez or Reynoso.
House District 10
In a bid to unseat incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary for the 10th Congressional District—which includes Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn—Brad Lander, a former city comptroller and past mayoral candidate, is making a move. Polls suggest that Lander, with Mamdani’s support, may be on track to lead.
The two candidates have differences, particularly regarding their perspectives on Israel, with Lander more openly critical of the Israeli government.
House District 13
Recently, doctoral student Dalializa Avila Chevalier gained Mamdani’s endorsement in her campaign against long-time Congressman Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District, which covers Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx.
Avila Chevalier faces scrutiny due to past provocative social media posts, including criticisms of Joe Biden and other establishment Democrats, even declaring the U.S. a “terrible disgrace” and questioning Israel’s existence.
Mamdani mentioned that he wasn’t aware of her comments before supporting her. Avila Chevalier stated she has “no interest in re-litigating the politics of my tweets.”
House District 12
The race to fill retired Congressman Jerry Nadler’s seat is quite competitive. Several Democrats from Manhattan are in the running for the 12th District primary.
State Representatives Micah Lasher and Alex Boaz are among the frontrunners, along with Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg. Republican-turned-Trump critic George Conway and public health expert Nina Schwalbe are also in the mix, but lag behind.
Other prominent House elections
Additional crucial primaries include one in the 17th Congressional District of New York’s Hudson Valley, where Democrats aim to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler. Among the candidates are special operations combat veteran Kate Conley, Rockland County Councilwoman Beth Davidson, Tarrytown City Councilwoman Effie Phillips Staley, Air Force veteran John Capello, and journalist Mike Sachs.
With U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik stepping down, Republican Rep. Robert Smullen and businessman Anthony Constantino, who has President Trump’s backing, are vying for the Republican nomination in the 21st Congressional District.
State legislative elections
A number of prominent state legislative contests have caught attention, with Mamdani endorsing five candidates for both the state Senate and House of Representatives:
- DSA Rep. Abar Kawas, supported by Mamdani, is competing against state Rep. Stephen Raga for a Senate seat covering part of Queens District 12.
- Samantha Kattan, a Democratic Socialist backed by the mayor, is aiming for the 37th Congressional District seat in western Queens, running against former staff for Mamdani and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pia Rahman and healthcare project manager Melissa Orlando.
- Brian Romero, a Mamdani ally, is contesting against educator Rosa Sanchez for the House District 34 seat in northwest Queens.
- Ilapa Sailitupak from the DSA has Mamdani’s endorsement in his race for Lower Manhattan’s 65th Congressional District, facing challengers like Mariamma James, Laila Mejia, Jasmine Sanchez, Wei-Lee Chong, and Jay Jackie Wong.
- Eli Northrup, a public defender, is getting support from Mamdani in his campaign to represent Upper Manhattan in Congressional District 69 along with Stephanie Laskay, an associate dean at a rabbinical school.
Mamdani has drawn some criticism for not endorsing challengers to sitting state legislators, while his left-leaning associate Ocasio-Cortez has opted not to endorse any city legislative races.
