Overview
- Three closely watched Democratic primaries in New York City are on Primary Day Tuesday, June 23, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and final outcomes still undecided.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly backed Claire Valdez in NY-7, Darializa Avila Chevalier in NY-13, and Brad Lander in NY-10, turning local contests into tests of his political network.
- The NY-7 race matches Valdez against Antonio Reynoso for the open seat left by Nydia Velázquez, NY-13 pits Avila Chevalier against five-term Rep. Adriano Espaillat, and NY-10 features Brad Lander challenging incumbent Dan Goldman.
- Avila Chevalier’s archived social posts and accusations of identity-based attacks have reshaped messaging in NY-13, while pro-Israel groups, establishment figures and multiple super PACs have poured large sums into these contests.
- Low early voting—about 173,000 check-ins—combined with heavy outside spending and high-profile surrogates means turnout on Election Day will likely decide whether Mamdani expands democratic socialist influence beyond City Hall.