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Claire Valdez, a Socialist Backed by Mamdani, Wins Key New York Primary
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Claire Valdez, a democratic socialist assemblywoman and ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, won the Democratic nomination for an open House seat in Brooklyn and Queens, signaling a win for the democratic socialist movement in New York.
- Valdez defeated her main rival, Brooklyn borough president Antonio Reynoso, with 57% of the vote compared to Reynoso's 34%, while Councilwoman Julie Won received about 7%.
- Valdez is favored to win the solidly Democratic seat in November and, along with Darializa Avila Chevalier, will double the number of Democratic Socialists of America members in the House.
- At her victory party, Mamdani highlighted the need for new political approaches, emphasizing that the old politics will not resolve current crises, reflecting the movement's growing influence.
- Valdez has pledged to challenge Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic Party leader and fellow New Yorker, indicating potential intra-party tensions.
