Mamdani-backed candidates sweep Democratic primaries in New York City Three congressional candidates backed by New York City’s democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, secured decisive victories in key Democratic primaries, signaling a shift toward progressive influence within the party. Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller and former mayoral candidate, defeated Democratic Representative Dan Goldman in his district. Claire Valdez, a state lawmaker and former union organizer, unseated Antonio Reynoso, the favored successor of retiring Representative Nydia Velázquez, in New York’s seventh district. In a surprising upset, public defense investigator Darializa Avila Chevalier ousted five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in the diverse 13th district. Mamadani’s growing political clout was evident as he celebrated the wins at events in Brooklyn and Queens. At a watch party for Valdez, he emphasized the need to abandon “old politics” that contributed to the nation’s crises. Meanwhile, Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of JFK, failed to advance in his bid to replace Jerry Nadler in Manhattan’s 12th district. Despite his social media presence and charisma, Schlossberg was outpaced by Micah Lasher, a longtime New York politician and self-described “nerd,” who won the primary in a deeply liberal district. The race also featured George Conway, an anti-Trump critic, and Alex Bores, whose candidacy sparked what observers called an “AI civil war” among Democrats. Donald Trump capitalized on the losses, celebrating the defeat of Dan Goldman and George Conway on social media. He accused Goldman of “illegally targeting President TRUMP” and predicted Conway would receive only 5% of the vote.#zohran_mamdani #brad_lander #claire_valdez #daria_liza_avila_chevalier #adriano_espaillat
