Story perspectives

Mamdani-Backed Candidates Sweep NYC Congressional Primaries

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s three endorsements produced a sweep of New York City’s Democratic congressional primaries on June 23, 2026.
Brad Lander defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th District.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old organizer, narrowly beat Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District.
Claire Valdez, a first-term Assembly member endorsed by Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders, won the 7th District over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

History

Historical Context

After Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stunned the Democratic establishment by winning 57% of the June 26 2018 primary against incumbent Joe Crowley, the Bernie Sanders-driven surge in DSA membership turned NYC-DSA into a decisive electoral engine. By June 2026, mayor Zohran Mamdani’s DSA endorsements helped progressive challengers unseat incumbents, and a citywide swing toward progressives, showing how grassroots mobilization reshapes New York politics.

1 of 2

Story summary

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s three endorsements produced a sweep of New York City’s Democratic congressional primaries on June 23, 2026.
Brad Lander defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th District.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old organizer, narrowly beat Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District.
Claire Valdez, a first-term Assembly member endorsed by Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders, won the 7th District over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.

1 / 2