Three progressive candidates who secured their spots in a competitive Democratic primary on Tuesday night will now face Republican opponents in November to claim their positions in the New York state House of Representatives.
Republicans Melvin Rivera, Jennifer Moore, and Jomo M. Williams are likely to appear on the ballot for the general election, though their chances in this heavily Democratic district seem low. Voters there opted for a trio backed by Mayor Zoran Mamdani over more centrist candidates.
There are three Republican candidates vying for this prominent House seat.
Melvin Rivera
Rivera, campaigning against DSA-supported Queens state Rep. Claire Valdez in New York’s 7th Congressional District, has dedicated over three decades to community activism and tenant organization. His campaign website highlights these credentials.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Rivera initially entered the race as a write-in candidate during the Democratic primary. His social media suggests he’s gained support from various Republican clubs.
The Dominican American Republican Club praised him on April 22, stating, “Melvin embodies strong leadership, conservative values, and a genuine commitment to our community.” They emphasized the need for assertive voices and practical solutions in New York, mentioning Rivera’s readiness to advocate for public safety and economic opportunities for local families.
Jennifer Moore
The Brooklyn Republican operative is motivated to provide voters with more options after former city auditor Brad Lander unseated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th Congressional District primary.
Moore observed, “Last night’s political shakeup, where Brad Lander defeated the incumbent, has spurred interest in this race. I aim to harness this moment and attract support from voters across the spectrum who are against Lander’s extreme views,” she told the Post.
According to a Republican official, her entry into the race was somewhat last-minute, as she quickly put her name on the ballot.
Jomo M. Williams
Williams will compete against leftist Dalia Lisa Avila Chevalier for the 13th Congressional District after previously running unsuccessfully for various positions in New York, including a City Council spot a couple of years ago.
In 2021, he ran for City Council as part of the Black Lives Matter Party but clarified that he did not endorse defunding the police; rather, he stood for “law and order.” He voiced concerns about promoting an image tied to violence and systemic issues in the justice system.
“We certainly don’t advocate for a brand characterized by mass illegality, brutal policing, racial profiling, or excessive sentencing and incarceration,” he told an outlet.
