New York: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani was not on the ballot in New York’s Democratic congressional primaries. Yet by the end of the night, the city’s mayor had emerged as their most consequential winner. All three candidates backed by Mamdani won their races.
Brad Lander defeated sitting Congressman Dan Goldman. Claire Valdez beat Brooklyn borough president Antonio Reynoso for an open House seat. Darializa Avila Chevalier pulled off the night’s biggest upset by unseating veteran Congressman Adriano Espaillat.
The results gave Mamdani a clean sweep and strengthened the argument that his surprise victory over Andrew Cuomo in last year’s Democratic mayoral primary was not an isolated political shock. His campaign organization, endorsement, and ideological appeal now appear capable of helping other candidates win.
“We are showing that last June, a year ago tomorrow, was not an anomaly," Mamdani said. “It was not the end. It was the beginning."
The most closely watched contest was in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, where former New York City comptroller Lander challenged Representative Goldman.
The second race was for the Brooklyn and Queens seat being vacated by Representative Nydia Velázquez. Mamdani backed Valdez, a first-term state assemblywoman and democratic socialist, against Antonio Reynoso, the Brooklyn borough president.
Reynoso appeared to have several advantages. He had deep roots in the district, a progressive record and support from Velázquez. He had also previously been considered an ally of Mamdani.
The third result was the most dramatic. Chevalier, an activist, democratic socialist and former Mamdani campaign volunteer, defeated Espaillat, who had spent two decades trying to reach Congress and another 10 years serving there.
The victories showed that Mamdani’s political strength now extends beyond his own campaign. His communications director, Anna Bahr, described the results as a rejection of campaigns dominated by wealthy donors and consultants.
“Mayor Mamdani is modeling a different kind of politics — not billionaire-funded or consultant-driven, but one that champions the needs of working people," Bahr told CNN. “That is precisely what New Yorkers are asking for, it’s what his endorsed candidates stand for, and it’s why this slate won tonight.”
