Clean sweep for Mamdani-backed candidates in New York's Democratic primary

June 24, 2026

In New York's Democratic primary elections, all three candidates endorsed by democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani secured decisive victories, signaling a significant leftward shift in the party. The most notable defeat came in the 10th district, where progressive Brad Lander overwhelmingly beat two-term incumbent Dan Goldman by roughly 65% to 34%, in a race largely defined by their opposing positions on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Assemblywoman Claire Valdez and doctoral student Darializa Avila Chevalier also won their respective races, defeating established political figures.

Who is affected

Dan Goldman (defeated two-term congressman, 10th district)
Brad Lander (winning challenger, 10th district)
Claire Valdez (winning candidate, 7th district)
Antonio Reynoso (defeated Brooklyn Borough President, 7th district)
Darializa Avila Chevalier (winning candidate, 13th district)
Adriano Espaillat (defeated five-term incumbent and Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair, 13th district)
Jack Schlossberg (defeated candidate, 12th district)
Micah Lasher (winning candidate, 12th district)
Mayor Zohran Mamdani (endorser of winning candidates)
Democratic Party establishment leaders including Hakeem Jeffries
Voters in New York's 7th, 10th, 12th, and 13th congressional districts
Pro-Israel groups that backed Goldman
Working people whom Mamdani claims to represent

What action is being taken

Mamdani is seeking to tilt the Democratic Party to the left
Establishment Democrats in Washington are expressing concern about left-wing candidates' appeal to swing voters
The three Mamdani-backed candidates are vowing to "abolish ICE," "tax the rich," and have accused Israel of genocide

Why it matters

This primary sweep represents a significant test and validation of Mayor Mamdani's political influence in reshaping New York's Democratic Party toward progressive politics. The results reveal deep divisions within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Gaza war and demonstrate that progressive candidates centering their campaigns on issues like Palestinian rights and working-class concerns can defeat well-established incumbents. The outcomes have national implications as they occur ahead of November's midterm elections, raising questions about whether left-wing candidates can appeal to swing voters and potentially reshaping the Democratic caucus in Congress. The victories suggest a growing appetite among New York Democratic voters for candidates who prioritize working people and take stronger stances on foreign policy issues, challenging the party's traditional establishment.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC