Mamdani-backed candidates defeat Democratic incumbents in New York primaries
Zohran Mamdani backs progressive New York primary wins that shake up Democrats See how these victories deepen the party split and reshape the state’s power map
Zohran Mamdani emerged as a major winner in New York’s latest primary elections after backing three leftleaning congressional candidates who defeated more established Democratic rivals.
In New York’s 13th Congressional District, community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier narrowly unseated incumbent Adriano Espaillat, while state Assembly member Claire Valdez won the race to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez. Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander also defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in another highprofile contest.
The results strengthen Mamdani’s influence inside New York Democratic politics and intensify the party’s internal split between its progressive wing and more moderate leaders. Republicans quickly framed the outcomes as evidence that Democrats are moving further left, while several mainstream Democrats still held their seats in other races across the state and beyond.