Mamdani‑backed Progressives Poised to Capture Three NYC Congressional Seats
Three New York City Democrats endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani have cleared Democratic primaries and are expected to win their heavily Democratic districts in Tuesday’s midterm election.
Progressive Momentum Builds in NYC
In June, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed a packed audience at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, urging support for a new wave of candidates who could translate his progressive agenda into congressional seats.
The crowd responded with chants of “Abolish ICE,” “Tax the rich” and “Free Palestine,” underscoring the issues they expect their representatives to champion.
Primary Victories Set the Stage
Within days of Mamdani’s rally, the three candidates he endorsed—Claire Valdez, Brad Lander and Darializa Avila Chevalier—won their Democratic primaries, becoming the party’s nominees for the November midterms.
Lander, former New York City comptroller, defeated incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman in a race where Israel was the defining issue.
Avila Chevalier, a community organiser, unseated longtime Congressman Adriano Espaillat.
Valdez, a New York State Assembly member and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member, won the contest to succeed retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.
Lander’s Stance on Israel‑Palestine
Lander, who lost to Mamdani in the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary, supported Mamdani in that race and has drawn national attention for his positions on the Israel‑Palestine conflict.
He has called Israel’s military campaign in Gaza “genocide” and described the occupation of Palestinian territories as “apartheid,” while also identifying as a Zionist who embraces pro‑Palestinian activism. Lander maintains support for a two‑state solution.
“It’s straightforward that some approach to more shared safety for Israelis and Palestinians and for Jews and Muslims and everybody else here makes more sense,” Lander said. “I also want to be able to listen across those divides and have thoughtful policy debates.”
Election Day Outlook
As Tuesday’s polls open, New York City—often called the city that never sleeps—appears quieter, with canvassers harder to find than in the final stretch before the primaries.
Given the partisan makeup of their districts, the three progressive candidates are widely expected to secure seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
