Mayor Endorses Claire Valdez for Congressional Seat

On Friday, Mayor Zoran Mamdani officially backed Claire Valdez, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, to take over for the retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez in New York’s 7th Congressional District.

Valdez, who is currently a state lawmaker from Queens and has a background in union organizing, expressed her intentions to carry on the fight for issues like the situation in Palestine, which she described as “genocide,” and to challenge what she labeled the “fascist” policies of the Trump administration.

“I’m proud to be in her shoes, continue her legacy, and advocate for everything the 7th District deserves,” Valdez, 36, shared during her campaign launch at Maria Hernandez Park in Brooklyn.

Beginning her second day of campaigning after announcing her candidacy on Thursday, Valdez received supportive remarks from both the mayor and United Auto Workers Union President Sean Fein.

“I’m pleased to stand behind this vision and Claire,” Mamdani remarked, highlighting Valdez’s early support in his own mayoral campaign.

“We need allies like her in Washington who will fight for a city where everyone can thrive and a democracy that addresses the needs of working individuals,” he added.

Valdez is in the running to fill Velasquez’s seat, which encompasses parts of North Brooklyn and Western Queens.

Also, Valdez faces competition from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who is a longtime associate of the current congresswoman, in the upcoming Democratic primary.

Valdez, amidst a group of more than 20 UAW members, reflected on how her time as a union organizer informed her political views. Emphasizing the importance of union membership, she added, “But too few workers are empowered to join, get support, and learn how to organize. [Local] 2110 transformed my life; they literally gave me a seat at the table.”

Fein echoed this sentiment, mentioning Valdez’s union background as a significant factor in his endorsement. He stated, “When working-class people unite and advocate for what’s right, and when we elect leaders like Claire Valdez, we can achieve remarkable things.”

As the race heats up, Reynoso has already garnered some endorsements from notable figures, including public defender Jumaane Williams and Brooklyn City Council member Crystal Hudson.