In brief
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsed slate won all three targeted districts in this year’s New York Democratic primaries. Brad Lander demolished incumbent Dan Goldman in the 10th district, while Assemblywoman Claire Valdez ousted Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and student‑activist Darializa Avila Chevalier unseated long‑time representative Adriano Espaillat. The victories underscore a growing leftward shift and increasing controversy over Israel‑Gaza positions within the party.
Mamdani‑backed candidates swept New York’s Democratic primaries, with Brad Lander ousting congresswoman Dan Goldman in the 10th district.
Lander’s 65.7% to 34.1% victory is part of a clean sweep that also saw Assemblywoman Claire Valdez defeat Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the 7th district and student‑activist Darializa Avila Chevalier topple long‑time representative Adriano Espaillat in the 13th.
The results highlight a sharp leftward reorientation aligned with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is seeking to tilt the Democratic Party toward progressive policies such as abolishing ICE and taxing the wealthy.
The 10th‑district race was particularly contentious, centring on divergent views over the Israel‑Gaza war. Lander accused Israel of genocide, while Goldman, an incumbent linked to pro‑Israel groups, faced backlash from local communities.
After the election, Goldman called Lander to congratulate him and praised his own campaign as the best he had run.
Ten‑point‑level reactions included former President Donald Trump calling Goldman “weak and pathetic” on X, while Senator Bernie Sanders, who endorsed Lander, praised his vision for politics.
