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Mamdani-Backed Progressives Win Key New York House Primaries

The victories strengthen Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s bid to expand democratic socialist influence in Congress.

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Rep. Adriano Espaillat (L) and congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier (R). (Heather Diehl/Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Adrian Boafo, center, a Maryland state delegate and candidate for U.S. Congress smiles for a photograph, which included all of U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer's staff over the years, at the "AmeriPac Bull Roast" Friday, June 12, 2026, in Mitchellville, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
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Overview

  • Tuesday night voters delivered wins for three Mamdani-endorsed Democrats, with Brad Lander winning NY-10, Claire Valdez taking the open NY-7 nomination, and Darializa Avila Chevalier narrowly defeating Rep. Adriano Espaillat in NY-13.
  • Micah Lasher won the crowded NY-12 primary to succeed Jerry Nadler after a contest that attracted heavy outside spending tied to major AI companies that poured roughly $20 million into the race.
  • The results unseated at least two incumbents and gave Mamdani a foothold in Congress that reflects a leftward turn in parts of the city’s Democratic electorate.
  • Debates over U.S. policy on Israel and the war in Gaza were a central fault line in multiple races and helped drive outside spending by pro-Israel groups and other national actors.
  • Low turnout magnified targeted ground games and outside ad buys, and because these districts lean strongly Democratic the primary winners are favored in November which could affect House dynamics and party messaging this fall.