New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s political influence is being tested as candidates he endorses face more traditional Democratic opponents in the congressional primaries. Mamdani’s victory in the 2025 mayoral elections marked a significant shift for the political left, as he is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). He aims to use his political capital to boost progressives and socialists into congressional seats. This ambition could enhance his influence and strengthen the socialist faction in New York’s politics.
Who is Mamdani Supporting in New York Primaries?
Mamdani supports several candidates in key races. In the 10th District, he backs former City Comptroller Brad Lander over Representative Dan Goldman. In the 13th District, he endorses organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier against Representative Adriano Espaillat. For the open race in the 7th District, he’s supporting Assemblymember Claire Valdez over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Notably, Avila Chevalier and Valdez are DSA members, but Lander is not.
A win for Mamdani-supported candidates would signal a growth of the progressive movement in New York political seats. Conversely, their loss might suggest a reluctance among broader New York voters to fully embrace Mamdani’s progressive approach.
Valdez vs. Reynoso: New York’s 7th District
With Representative Nydia Velázquez retiring, Valdez is competing in an open race in one of the nation’s most liberal districts, spanning Brooklyn and Queens. Valdez is relatively new to New York politics, having joined the State Assembly in 2024. Reynoso, with city council experience, served as borough president.
While Mamdani and prominent progressives like Senator Bernie Sanders back Valdez, Reynoso is supported by Velázquez and the Working Families Party. A recent Emerson College poll showed Valdez with 23% support over Reynoso’s 21%. City Councilmember Julie Won and activist Vichal Kumar trailed with lesser support, while 43% of voters were undecided. Prediction markets favor Valdez, granting her an 83% chance of winning the primary.
Velázquez has critiqued Mamdani’s endorsement, suggesting it may stir conflict among interest groups and distract from essential work.
Lander vs. Goldman: New York’s 10th District
Lander and Mamdani became allies through their shared progressive platform in past races, with Lander advising supporters to rank Mamdani second in the ranked choice mayoral election. Mamdani supports Lander against Goldman due to Goldman’s perceived lack of progressive credentials and his controversial stance on Israel.
Polls indicate Lander is well-positioned with a significant lead according to an Emerson College survey. Prediction markets widely favor his victory, granting him nearly 100% odds.
Avila Chevalier vs. Espaillat: New York’s 13th District
Espaillat has represented the Upper Manhattan and Bronx-based district since 2017. Avila Chevalier critiques Espaillat’s progressive shortcomings but faces scrutiny over prior contentious social media posts. She has since distanced herself from those remarks.
Polls reflect a close race, with Avila Chevalier leading slightly in Data for Progress findings. Prediction markets still favor Espaillat’s reelection.
Mamdani Clashes with Establishment
The New York City mayor maintains a distinct distance from the city’s political establishment, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Moderate Democrats previously endorsed Andrew Cuomo over Mamdani.
The division stems from a tension between the DSA and establishment Democrats, as noted by Democratic strategist Basil Smikle. Mamdani frames the primaries as a call for demanding more from the Democratic Party.
DSA Could Expand Ranks in 2026 Midterms
Amid dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, DSA looks poised for more victories in the midterm elections. DSA member Janeese Lewis George captured the Democratic primary in Washington, D.C., and is favored in the general election. DSA also eyes seats in Los Angeles and Pennsylvania, with successes likely in Colorado and Florida.
Newsweek editors Jason Lemon and Anthony Murray contributed to this report.
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