Story perspectives

Mayor Mamdani Buys Knicks Ad for Three Progressive Candidates

6/11/2026

Left

Mamdani Knicks Endorsement

Mayor Zohran Mamdani used a Knicks-themed TV ad to boost three progressive House hopefuls.
The 30-second spot aired during Game 1 Knicks finals, naming Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez and Brad Lander.
Mamdani endorsed three, with Chevalier and Lander challenging incumbents while Valdez seeks an open seat.
Adviser Morris Katz produced the orange-court ad, costing about $110,000 split equally among the races.

Right

Lander Denies Endorsement

Former NYC Comptroller Brad Lander denied endorsing Democratic Socialists of America-linked candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, despite their joint Knicks-themed ad.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, Rep. Adriano Espaillat and Lander received a $110,000 purchase, shared equally among three New York congressional races.
Lander condemned Avila Chevalier’s sharing of Russian propaganda, COVID-19 misinformation and anti-Israel rally as vile.
He left the Democratic Socialists of America after 30 years because of the rally controversy.

1 of 2

Mamdani Knicks Endorsement

Mayor Zohran Mamdani used a Knicks-themed TV ad to boost three progressive House hopefuls.
The 30-second spot aired during Game 1 Knicks finals, naming Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez and Brad Lander.
Mamdani endorsed three, with Chevalier and Lander challenging incumbents while Valdez seeks an open seat.
Adviser Morris Katz produced the orange-court ad, costing about $110,000 split equally among the races.

1 / 2