Three candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won Democratic primary elections for seats in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday, according to US media projections. The victories underscore the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) within the party and signal a potential leftward shift ahead of November's midterm elections.
Mamdani's Kingmaker Role
Mamdani, 34, was swept into office in January on a wave of support for his Democratic socialist policies. His improbable rise has earned him the title of “kingmaker” by American media, highlighting the Democratic Party’s internal debate over a centrist or leftist future—a key flashpoint ahead of the midterms.
Key Race Results
In New York’s 10th Congressional District, Brad Lander, who served as comptroller under the previous mayor, defeated two-term incumbent Daniel Goldman. Lander’s campaign focused on the Middle East war, calling for an end to US military aid to Israel. Goldman had been backed by pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
In the 13th Congressional District, Adriano Espillat lost his reelection bid to Darializa Avila Chevalier, a member of Mamdani’s DSA. Avila Chevalier, who once helped organize pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, has never held public office.
In the 7th Congressional District, Claire Valdez, another Mamdani-backed candidate, won against Antonio Reynoso for outgoing Nydia Velazquez’s seat.
Other Notable Races
John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, 32, lost his bid to replace retiring Representative Jerry Nadler in the 12th Congressional District. Schlossberg, seen as a progressive on the left of the Democratic Party, had vocally called for the party to change. He lost to Micah Lasher, a state assemblyman endorsed by Nadler. Mamdani had not backed any candidate in that race.
Implications for the Democratic Party
These primary results reflect a broader struggle within the Democratic Party between its centrist and progressive wings. The success of Mamdani-backed candidates suggests that leftist policies, particularly on issues like Israel and Palestine, resonate with a significant portion of the party’s base. The outcomes could influence the party’s platform and strategy heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
