Mamdani Allies Shake Democratic Establishment In NYC Primary Victories

Three key congressional wins endorsed by Zohran Mamdani signal a rising progressive movement in New York City.

By Ainsley Martinez, Patch Staff

Jun 23, 2026 11:50 pm EDT | Updated Jun 24, 2026 12:05 am EDT

Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosted pre-Shavuot celebration in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, where he honored Ruth Messinger with a Mayoral Proclamation, at Gracie Mansion on May 18. (Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

NEW YORK, NY— Claire Valdez won her NY-7 Democratic primary in Brooklyn and took the stage at her election night party as supporters chanted, “D.S.A.! D.S.A.!”

Mayor Zohran Mamdani appeared at the event, walking onto the stage to cheers and briefly addressing the crowd.

“How we doing?” he said.

In the wake of sweeping victories across the City, including Darializa Avila Chevalier in NY-13, and taking a cue from British rock band The Who, the kids of the Democratic Socialists of America are alright.

“I’m so proud to be a part of this movement," she said. "Tonight we have not just won an election, but we have proved that this movement is durable."

The Democratic Socialists of America organization backed Avila Chevalier and Valdez.

“I really feel that this is a fight to make sure that we are representing working-class New Yorkers who have been left behind by a politics that only serves the interests of corporations, of corporate landlords, of special interest groups that are making life in New York deeply unaffordable for so many,” Avila Chevalier said last month, on MS NOW with Mamdani.

Mamdani backed candidates in three closely contested New York City House primaries, breaking with Democratic leadership to support left-leaning contenders who criticized Israel and called for sweeping economic reforms.

Also endorsed by Mamdani was Brad Lander, who won his primary against Rep. Dan Goldman in NY-10.

“It’s a point of pride that I will be representing the most Jewish congressional district,” Lander said. “I will always stand up for our community with pride.”

The results strengthened Mamdani’s influence inside New York Democratic politics, as his endorsed candidates secured wins in closely watched primaries across the city and positioned themselves for competitive general election campaigns in November.

Once all the votes are tallied and certified by the New York City Board of Elections, the official final totals will be announced. All results are unofficial until the Board of Elections certifies them.