Zohran Mamdani's progressive allies delivered a major shake-up in Tuesday's Democratic congressional primaries, defeating two sitting House members and strengthening the democratic socialist leader's push to reshape the party's future. The biggest upsets came in New York City, where Mamdani-endorsed candidates toppled longtime incumbents.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist backed by Mamdani, defeated five-term incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Brad Lander, a former New York City Comptroller closely aligned with Mamdani, defeated two-term Rep. Dan Goldman. Claire Valdez, a State Assembly member, also won her primary against the favoured successor to retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
The victories represent a significant political win for the 34-year-old mayor and his movement. Some party leaders, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, expressed concern that Mamdani's allies could push Democrats further left on issues like immigration, affordability and the war in Gaza. Jeffries downplayed the results, noting that only a handful of primaries were involved.
The candidates backed by Mamdani share policy positions including calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, increase taxes on the wealthy, and take a more critical stance toward Israel's military campaign in Gaza. On the Republican side, Trump-backed candidate Anthony Constantino won the GOP nomination for a House seat.
