New York congressional primaries test progressive influence of Mayor Mamdani
7 verified6 unconfirmed
New York's primary elections on Tuesday will serve as a gauge of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's political influence and the strength of the progressive left within the Democratic Party. Mamdani has endorsed a slate of candidates who are challenging more established figures in several House races. In Manhattan's 12th Congressional District, a crowded field includes Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg, state Assembly member Alex Bores, Assembly member Micah Lasher, and attorney George Conway. AI regulation has emerged as a central issue in that contest, with Bores advocating for stronger safety measures. In the 13th District, Mamdani-backed candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier is challenging incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican American in Congress. The 7th District features a race to succeed retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez, with Mamdani's endorsed candidate Claire Valdez facing Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. The outcomes of these races are expected to signal the level of voter appetite for progressive policies and anti-establishment candidates.
What’s verified
Primary elections take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has endorsed a slate of candidates challenging establishment Democrats.
In the 12th Congressional District, candidates include Jack Schlossberg, Alex Bores, Micah Lasher, and George Conway.
AI regulation is a key issue in the 12th District race, with Alex Bores pushing for stronger rules.
In the 13th District, Darializa Avila Chevalier is challenging incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
In the 7th District, Claire Valdez and Antonio Reynoso are competing to succeed retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez.
The primaries are widely seen as a test of Mamdani's political clout and the influence of the progressive left.
Not yet confirmed
Mamdani held a rally with Sen. Bernie Sanders last week, according to a single report.
Avila Chevalier made controversial social media posts in her 20s and later apologized, per one source.
The RAISE Act, an AI safety bill authored by Bores, was reportedly watered down by Gov. Kathy Hochul before signing, according to one source.
Bores stated that 70 to 80 percent of voters want AI regulated, a claim from a single report.
Rep. Nydia Velazquez reportedly criticized Mamdani for endorsing Valdez over Reynoso, according to one source.
Brad Lander, endorsed by Mamdani, is challenging Rep. Dan Goldman, a race mentioned by only one source.
Key figures
Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City
Alex Bores, state Assembly member and candidate in the 12th District
Jack Schlossberg, candidate in the 12th District
Micah Lasher, state Assembly member and candidate in the 12th District
George Conway, attorney and candidate in the 12th District
Darializa Avila Chevalier, candidate in the 13th District
Adriano Espaillat, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 13th District
Claire Valdez, candidate in the 7th District
Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President and candidate in the 7th District
Nydia Velazquez, retiring U.S. Representative for the 7th District
Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator
Brad Lander, former New York City Comptroller and candidate
Dan Goldman, incumbent U.S. Representative
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
Sources: abcnews.com, vox.com
