Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Knicks-Themed TV Spot Promotes Three Congressional Challengers

During post-game coverage of the New York Knicks’ Game 1 victory in the NBA finals, a 30-second television advertisement aired that featured Mayor Zohran Mamdani on a basketball-court set. The spot promoted three Democratic congressional candidates—Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Claire Valdez—who have all received the mayor’s endorsement. The ad was produced by the mayor’s senior political adviser, Morris Katz, and was intended to link the excitement of the Knicks’ season with a “new era” in New York politics.

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Mayor Mamdani, a former city council member, has positioned himself as a unifying figure for progressive House hopefuls. Brad Lander, a former New York City Comptroller now seeking to unseat Rep. Dan Goldman, previously belonged to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) for three decades but left the organization after it endorsed the anti-Israel rally attended by Avila Chevalier. Unlike Lander, Avila Chevalier is a DSA member and an official endorsee of the group.

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• Zohran Mamdani – New York City mayor; author of the ad’s script and primary endorser of the three candidates.

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• Brad Lander – Former NYC comptroller; Democratic challenger to Rep. Dan Goldman; former DSA member.

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• Darializa Avila Chevalier – DSA-affiliated candidate challenging Rep. Adriano Espaillat; criticized for sharing Russian-propaganda narratives and COVID-19 misinformation.

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• Claire Valdez – Progressive candidate running for an open congressional seat.

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• Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) – Left-leaning organization whose endorsement of Avila Chevalier sparked controversy.

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• Production and regional TV placement cost: ? $110,000, divided equally among the three campaigns.

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• Air time: 30-second spot broadcast during NBA finals post-game coverage, leveraging the Knicks’ “orange hue” visual theme.

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• Campaign focus: Lander’s primary target is Rep. Dan Goldman; Avila Chevalier targets Rep. Adriano Espaillat; Valdez seeks an open seat.

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Mayor Mamdani’s written statement framed the ad as a parallel to the Knicks’ resurgence, asserting that the slate “embodies a fight, a selflessness and a love of New York that will serve our city well.” Lander emphasized his gratitude for Mamdani’s support, noting that the mayor’s team suggested the Knicks-themed ad to illustrate teamwork and civic pride. He reiterated that his campaign is “focused on my election” and that he is not endorsing any other congressional candidates.

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Avila Chevalier has faced scrutiny for promoting Russian propaganda lines, disseminating COVID-19 disinformation, and participating in an anti-Israel rally held the day after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Lander publicly condemned that rally as “vile” and “heinous,” and his departure from the DSA was framed as a response to the organization’s support of the event.

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Lander’s denial of any endorsement for Avila Chevalier contrasts with his appearance alongside her in the jointly funded ad, creating ambiguity about the extent of his support. The sources do not clarify whether the ad’s cost allocation was negotiated equally among the campaigns or if any candidate contributed more, leaving the financial dynamics partially opaque.

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• “I’m honored to have the support of Mayor Mamdani and to be part of his team in this congressional election,” — Brad Lander, Candidate

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• “He and his team suggested a Knicks colors-themed ad to show what a team looks like, and how you show up for the city you love.” — Brad Lander, Candidate

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• “This is the team,” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor (spoken in the ad)

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• “It’s a new era in Knicks’ basketball, and it’s time for the same in our politics too,” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor (written statement)

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• “Much like the Knicks, this slate embodies a fight, a selflessness and a love of New York that will serve our city well,” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor (written statement)

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The three candidates will face incumbent or open-seat primaries in June 2026. The ad’s exposure during a high-profile sports event is intended to boost name recognition ahead of those contests, while the controversy surrounding Avila Chevalier’s past statements may influence voter perceptions of the mayor-backed slate.

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