politics
DSA-Backed Candidates Win Multiple New York City Primaries
Candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani defeated several incumbents in Democratic congressional primaries across New York City. The results mark a shift in local party leadership.
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Candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won several Democratic congressional primaries in New York City. The victories unseated long-serving incumbents and elevated a slate of new nominees in competitive races.
The winners include a candidate who has described himself as a liberal Zionist and lists a proposal to tax high levels of wealth on his campaign site. The same campaign site notes support from Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
The Democratic Socialists of America have backed several candidates who prevailed in 2026 primaries. In Chicago, the current mayor holds positions further to the left than the previous officeholder. In Los Angeles, the sitting mayor faces a primary challenge from a Democratic Socialists of America candidate.
President Joe Biden signed major spending legislation and appointed a record number of Black federal judges during his term. A May 2025 NBC headline asked whether Democrats could attribute their difficulties solely to him. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer received a 70 percent vote share in two reelection campaigns and held a strong progressive voting rating.
A 2025 survey by Data for Progress found 55 percent of likely Democratic voters supported or leaned toward Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez compared with 36 percent for Schumer. Eight Senate Democrats voted to end a government shutdown. Reports indicated some party members directed criticism toward those eight lawmakers and toward establishment candidates in upcoming primaries.
