Three candidates supported by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won Democratic congressional primaries in New York City on June 23, 2026, marking a notable shift in local politics toward the democratic socialist wing [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
Brad Lander defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th district. Claire Valdez won the 7th district primary to succeed retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez, beating Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Darializa Avila Chevalier upset incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th district [2, 3, 7, 4, 5, 6].
These victories showed growing influence for Mamdani, who has been mayor since his surprise election in November 2025, and for the broader democratic socialist movement in New York City politics [1, 2, 3, 7, 4, 6]. Mamdani said, "The old politics that got us into this crisis is not the politics that’s going to get us out of this crisis" following the primaries [3].
The Democratic Socialists of America backed Valdez and Chevalier, with their wins expanding the group's reach in local and national politics [2, 4, 5]. The primaries also highlighted fractures within the Democratic Party over issues such as Israel, immigration, and economic affordability [2, 4, 6].
Mamdani's involvement strained relationships with established Democratic leaders, as retiring Rep. Velázquez endorsed Reynoso over Mamdani’s chosen Valdez [1, 2, 7, 4]. Both Goldman and Espaillat lost to Mamdani-backed challengers [2, 3, 7, 5, 6].
On the same day, five state legislative candidates backed by Mamdani also won primaries, further expanding his influence [2]. Velázquez had represented the 7th district since 2013 and her retirement opened the seat [2].
The June 23 primaries set the stage for these progressive candidates to compete in the November general elections, with expectations that the victors will push more progressive, democratic socialist policies in Congress [3, 7, 4, 6].
