Progressive Wave Sweeps New York Primaries: Valdez, Lander, Avila Chevalier Poised for Congress

In a significant display of progressive political power, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani successfully rallied support for a new slate of candidates aiming to secure congressional seats in the upcoming midterm elections. During a packed event at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, the crowd enthusiastically backed calls to “Abolish ICE,” “Tax the rich,” and “Free Palestine,” signaling a clear mandate for their elected officials. Following this momentum, all three congressional hopefuls endorsed by Mamdani—Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier—secured victories in their respective Democratic primaries.

Brad Lander, the former New York City Comptroller, defeated incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman in a closely watched race where the issue of Israel played a pivotal role. Darializa Avila Chevalier, a dedicated community organizer, successfully unseated longtime Congressman Adriano Espaillat. Meanwhile, Claire Valdez, a New York State Assembly member and active participant in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), won the primary to succeed the retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. Both Valdez and Avila Chevalier benefited from the endorsement of New York City’s DSA chapter. Given the heavily Democratic nature of their districts, these candidates are widely expected to win their seats in the upcoming midterm elections, making the June primaries the de facto main event for many voters.

As the midterm elections approach, New York City, often characterized as a city that never sleeps, exhibits a more subdued political atmosphere compared to the intense primary season. The focus for these three progressive candidates has shifted from bold campaign promises to the intricate process of translating those visions into actionable policy. The day-to-day realities of governance present a stark contrast to the galvanizing slogans that energized their voter base during the campaigns.

Each of the three congressional candidates shares a progressive platform that includes abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ceasing U.S. military aid to Israel, and implementing a public healthcare system akin to Medicare for All. However, their individual journeys into progressive politics vary. Lander, with his extensive background in New York City government, most recently as Comptroller, entered the congressional race after supporting Mamdani in the 2025 mayoral primary. His campaign against Goldman garnered national attention, particularly due to the prominence of the Israel-Palestine conflict in a district with a substantial Jewish population. Lander has characterized Israel's military actions in Gaza as genocide and its occupation of Palestinian territories as apartheid, while also identifying as a Zionist who supports pro-Palestinian activism, asserting that these stances are not contradictory. He advocates for a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for shared safety and thoughtful policy discussions across divides. Weeks before the election, Lander was detained by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank while volunteering for the olive harvest, an experience that underscored for him the