New York Democratic primaries on June 23 left wing split

Voters in New York head to the polls on Tuesday, June 23, for a series of competitive Democratic primaries that will set the stage for several key congressional races this fall. The contests, which include challenges to incumbent representatives and open-seat battles, highlight ideological divisions within the party and the growing influence of its left wing.

In New York’s 13th Congressional District, a heated primary is underway between 16-year incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat and challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier. The race has featured sharp debates over issues including immigration, housing, and U.S. foreign policy. During a recent televised forum, both candidates, when asked who they were rooting for in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, named countries other than the United States-Espaillat said Mexico and Avila Chevalier said Senegal.

Espaillat, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in Congress, has emphasized his record, including work on immigration legislation and securing federal funding for housing. He is backed by much of the state and national Democratic establishment, including House Minority Leader Hakeem...