Mamdani-backed Progressives Win Three NYC Primaries

A slate of progressive candidates endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani swept three Democratic congressional primaries in New York City on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, defeating two incumbent representatives and signaling a significant shift in the party’s local power structure. The victories have intensified an internal Democratic debate over ideology and electoral strategy.

Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated Representative Dan Goldman in the 10th District. Community organizer and doctoral candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier unseated Representative Adriano Espaillat, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in the 13th District. State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez won the open 7th District seat being vacated by retiring Representative Nydia Velázquez. All three winning candidates identify as democratic socialists and were backed by Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

The results are viewed as a major consolidation of influence for Mayor Mamdani and the party’s left flank. In a statement after the races were called, Lander said the United States needs to reset its relationship with Israel and that candidates should refuse corporate...