Mamdani-Backed Progressives Sweep New York Democratic Primaries, Ousting Two Incumbents
Sadaf Sundas Riaz
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered a major political shock Tuesday as all three congressional candidates he backed won their Democratic primaries, giving the city’s progressive movement one of its biggest victories yet.
The wins included two major upsets: Brad Lander defeated Rep. Dan Goldman, while Darializa Avila Chevalier ousted longtime Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Claire Valdez also won her race for the seat being vacated by Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
The results show Mamdani’s growing power inside New York Democratic politics and raise pressure on the party establishment ahead of the 2026 midterms. His allies campaigned on housing, immigration, taxing the wealthy, and strong criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza.