Story perspectives

Sanders Endorses Valdez in Divided NYC Congressional Primary

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed Claire Valdez in New York's 7th Congressional District Democratic primary.
The race follows Rep. Nydia Velázquez's retirement and exposes divisions among progressives in New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Valdez is a union organizer who emphasizes working-class background and economic democracy.
Velázquez backs Antonio Reynoso, who has backing from prominent progressive figures.
Valdez's campaign has raised $750,000 from over 11,000 donors; Reynoso's fundraising remains unreported.

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Story summary

Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed Claire Valdez in New York's 7th Congressional District Democratic primary.
The race follows Rep. Nydia Velázquez's retirement and exposes divisions among progressives in New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Valdez is a union organizer who emphasizes working-class background and economic democracy.
Velázquez backs Antonio Reynoso, who has backing from prominent progressive figures.
Valdez's campaign has raised $750,000 from over 11,000 donors; Reynoso's fundraising remains unreported.