Story perspectives

Progressives Upset Establishment in NYC Primaries Amid Israel Debate

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Candidate Brad Lander beat candidate Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary, showing voter preference for a candidate critical of Israel’s Gaza war.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push to unseat incumbents strained ties with the Working Families Party and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
Candidate Avila Chevalier surged against incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District despite a super PAC funded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee opposing her.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 AIPAC organized a large political-action push that helped defeat several pro-Palestinian challengers in Democratic primaries, including a $500,000 contribution to Rep. Charles Schumer’s re-election. Decades later the lobby’s fundraising power endures; in 2022 AIPAC ranked among the top ten PACs with $2.66 million donated to federal candidates. New York progressive contests now face scrutiny from groups like Track AIPAC that publicize such spending.

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Story summary

Candidate Brad Lander beat candidate Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary, showing voter preference for a candidate critical of Israel’s Gaza war.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push to unseat incumbents strained ties with the Working Families Party and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
Candidate Avila Chevalier surged against incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District despite a super PAC funded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee opposing her.

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