Mamdani wave: Lander, Valdez and Avila Chevalier win congressional primaries

Key Points:

• Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s three endorsed Democratic Socialists of America candidates—Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier—won their congressional primaries, signaling significant political influence for Mamdani and his allies within the Democratic Party.
• Brad Lander secured a decisive victory in New York’s 10th District by running to the left of incumbent Dan Goldman, particularly criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza and opposing military aid to Israel.
• Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the 7th District primary, despite opposition from retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez and the Working Families Party, highlighting divisions among progressive groups.
• Darializa Avila Chevalier narrowly defeated incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District amid a contentious race marked by debates over Israel policy and social media controversies, with Espaillat conceding late Tuesday.
• While Mamdani endorsed several progressive candidates successfully, he refrained from endorsing in some key primaries, including his own district’s 12th Congressional race and the state comptroller contest, underscoring a strategic approach to his political influence.