Democratic Socialists Tear Through New York Primary Unseating Two Incumbents

Democratic Socialists of America emerged from New York's primary with three congressional victories that reshaped several closely watched races. The results strengthened Mayor Zohran Mamdani's political influence and gave the organization's candidates one of their strongest election nights in recent years.

Brad Lander defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th Congressional District, while Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the open 7th Congressional District. As reported by ABC7 New York, Darializa Avila Chevalier also unseated five-term Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th Congressional District, completing a sweep by three candidates who were part of Mamdani's slate.

Kings Theatre hosted a high-energy get-out-the-vote rally where Mamdani appeared alongside several candidates and Sen. Bernie Sanders. The event showcased a coalition of Democratic Socialists of America organizers, labor activists, and volunteers working to expand progressive representation in Congress.

In her victory speech, Valdez pledged continued support for organized labor. "I will do everything in my power every single day in Congress to give the labor movement the tools it needs to be a fighting force for the entire working class," she said.

Mamdani also framed the outcome as evidence of a broader political shift. "The old politics that got us to this crisis is not the politics that's going to get us out of this crisis. It's time for working people to be back at the heart of our politics," he told supporters after the victories.

Valdez and Chevalier belong to the Democratic Socialists of America, while Lander is a former DSA member who campaigned with endorsements from Mamdani, Sanders, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Their victories transformed three House races that had become major tests of the Democratic Party's ideological direction.

The primary results immediately intensified questions about the Democratic Party's future as progressive candidates continue challenging establishment figures in safe Democratic districts. With November's general election expected to favor Democrats in each race, the winners are positioned to become influential new voices on Capitol Hill.