Mamdani-backed candidates notch wins in New York congressional primaries, Lander defeats Goldman

Mamdani-backed wave scores in New York primaries

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s effort to reshape New York’s congressional delegation gained ground Tuesday, as two candidates endorsed by him and the Democratic Socialists of America won Democratic primaries in New York City. The results test the appeal of far-left politics even as party leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries defend incumbent moderates.

“Energy on the far right ignites energy on the far left. Politics is reactive.”

Lander unseats Goldman in Manhattan-Brooklyn district

Former city comptroller Brad Lander defeated two-term Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th Congressional District, in a primary dominated by the Israel-Gaza war. Lander, who describes himself as a liberal Zionist, campaigned on being more critical of Israel than Goldman, a pro-Israel former federal prosecutor who led the first Trump impeachment. Lander’s deep roots in the district and his alliance with Mamdani, forged during last year’s mayoral race, helped him overcome Goldman’s incumbency and wealth.

“It unleashed a nice sense of solidarity. People said to me, ‘Wait, you mean politics doesn’t have to be a sour, selfish ego trip — it can be a team sport for the values you share?’”

Valdez wins open seat to succeed Velázquez

State Assemblymember Claire Valdez, another democratic socialist backed by Mamdani, won the crowded primary to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez in the 7th District spanning parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Valdez beat Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who had the support of the Working Families Party and Velázquez herself. Her win marked a victory for the DSA in one of the cycle’s most high-profile left-vs-progressive battles.

Competitive race for Nadler’s seat

Separately, the open primary to succeed retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler in the 12th District has shaped into a two-way contest between state assemblymen Micah Lasher and Alex Bores. Early polls showed Jack Schlossberg, grandson of John F. Kennedy, leading on name recognition, but his support faded as his opponents ramped up campaigning. Recent surveys had Lasher and Bores within five points, with more than a quarter of voters undecided.

Tensions with party leadership

The primaries highlighted a rift between Mamdani’s democratic socialist movement and the party establishment. Jeffries, who is in line to become House speaker if Democrats win the November midterms, backed the incumbents, while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stayed silent on Mamdani during the mayoral campaign. The Lander win represents a direct repudiation of Jeffries’ incumbent-protection policy.