Democratic Socialists Win Three New York Congressional Primaries

Democratic Socialist-backed candidates won three Democratic primary contests for U.S. House seats in New York on June 23, 2026. State Assembly Member Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the race to succeed retiring U.S. Rep.

Nydia Velázquez. Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Former city comptroller Brad Lander defeated U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman.

Chevalier had not previously held elected office. Lander's campaign focused in part on criticism of Goldman's record regarding the war in Gaza. Chevalier previously organized pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and participated in efforts to remove a Central Park statue of J. Marion Sims. She also worked on the release of an individual detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Party Dynamics The results occurred in solidly Democratic districts. U.S. Rep.

Hakeem Jeffries, who represents parts of Brooklyn, has encouraged party strategists to focus on winning Republican-held seats rather than challenging Democratic incumbents. Mamdani stated at a victory event that the outcome marked "the beginning" of a political movement rather than its end.

The primaries also featured debate over the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and its role in Democratic contests.