New York’s congressional primaries on Tuesday will test Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s ability to reshape the city’s delegation, as his endorsed progressive candidates clash with establishment Democrats in three key races. With just one day of campaigning left, Mamdani’s slate—including Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier—faces longshot odds against incumbents and well-funded opponents, while Jack Schlossberg leverages Kennedy family ties in a crowded Manhattan race.
Adriano Espaillat became the first Dominican American elected to Congress in 2016, representing a district that includes northern Manhattan and part of the Bronx—a seat now targeted by Mamdani-backed challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier.
Why These Races Matter
The primary is a referendum on Mamdani’s political strategy. His endorsement of three progressive candidates—Valdez, Lander, and Avila Chevalier—could signal a shift toward a more left-leaning congressional delegation, but all three face uphill battles against incumbents or well-established rivals.
Mamdani has framed the election as a choice between “the party of the past” and a “Democratic Party with backbone,” according to his campaign rhetoric. His support for the trio has included campaign videos, a rally with Sen. Bernie Sanders, and high-profile appearances. However, his non-endorsement in the Manhattan race—where Jack Schlossberg, grandson of JFK, leads a crowded field—highlights a strategic focus on reshaping the city’s delegation rather than backing a single high-profile candidate.
Who’s Running Where—and What’s at Stake
Manhattan (Open Seat): Jack Schlossberg, 33, is banking on his Kennedy name and social media influence, while facing state Assembly members Alex Bores and Micah Lasher, both backed by Democratic establishment figures. Bores, a vocal critic of Big Tech spending, has released ads highlighting opposition from Silicon Valley donors. Schlossberg’s campaign has featured endorsements from his mother, Caroline Kennedy, and a rally with David Letterman.
Northern Manhattan/Bronx (Espaillat vs. Avila Chevalier): Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist, has gained momentum from Mamdani’s support but faces scrutiny over inflammatory social media posts from her 20s. In a recent debate, she apologized for a post about then-Vice President Kamala Harris, calling it “crass.” Incumbent Espaillat, the first Dominican American in Congress, has framed the race as a test of her readiness for office.
Brooklyn (Valdez vs. Reynoso): Claire Valdez, a former state Assembly colleague of Mamdani, is challenging Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in a race to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez. Both are progressives, but Valdez has positioned herself as a potential Mamdani ally in Washington, contrasting with Reynoso’s lack of explicit endorsement.
Queens (Lander vs. Goldman): Former city Comptroller Brad Lander, endorsed by Mamdani, is taking on incumbent Dan Goldman. Lander has leveraged his alliance with the mayor, even appearing at a City Hall celebration for the Knicks’ NBA championship. Goldman, who did not endorse Mamdani in his mayoral race, has focused on his legislative record.
Mamdani’s strategy mirrors the 2013 “Brand New Congress” wave, when progressive challengers targeted moderate incumbents. Success here could embolden similar efforts nationwide, but the races are tightly contested. The Manhattan field, with four major candidates, may dilute progressive momentum, while the incumbents in Queens and the Bronx have institutional advantages. A split result—some wins, some losses—could reshape the Democratic Party’s internal power dynamics without a full takeover.
What Happens Next
If Mamdani’s candidates win, it could accelerate a leftward shift in New York’s congressional delegation, potentially influencing national policy debates. A loss, however, may signal limits to his influence outside his mayoral base.
Schlossberg’s outcome in Manhattan could hinge on name recognition and voter turnout. His opponents—Bores, Lasher, and Conway—have deep ties to Democratic leadership, making the race a test of whether family legacy still carries weight in a polarized era.
In the Bronx and Queens, the races may hinge on turnout in progressive strongholds. Avila Chevalier’s ability to overcome past social media controversies and Lander’s alignment with Mamdani will be key. If either incumbent falls, it could encourage more primary challenges in future cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsing in the primary?
Mamdani is backing three candidates: Claire Valdez (Brooklyn), Brad Lander (Queens), and Darializa Avila Chevalier (northern Manhattan/Bronx). He has not endorsed in the Manhattan race.
What is the significance of these races?
These primaries are seen as a test of Mamdani’s ability to reshape New York’s congressional delegation, with progressive candidates challenging incumbent Democrats. A shift here could influence national Democratic policy priorities.
Who are the main candidates in the Manhattan race?
The leading candidates are Jack Schlossberg (grandson of JFK), state Assembly members Alex Bores and Micah Lasher, and attorney George Conway. Schlossberg has leveraged family ties and celebrity endorsements, while Bores and Lasher have Democratic establishment support.
How are the incumbents responding to the challenges?
Adriano Espaillat (Bronx) has highlighted past social media posts by Avila Chevalier, while Dan Goldman (Queens) has focused on his legislative record. Both have framed the races as tests of their experience and commitment to their districts.
With just one day of campaigning left, which candidate’s strategy do you think has the best chance of resonating with voters—and why?
