New York’s congressional candidates are making a final push on the last full day of campaigning before a primary election. This election highlights the challenge between the rising progressive left and establishment Democrats. The elections are important for gauging the political influence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The young democratic socialist is attempting to reshape the city’s congressional delegation by promoting his chosen candidates.
Mamdani has been active in promoting his slate of three House candidates. He participated in campaign videos and hosted a rally with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders to boost their presence before the election. Mamdani stated, “The party of the past will not be what leads us into the future. We need a Democratic Party with backbone.”
In another noteworthy race, Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, seeks to leverage his family legacy and social media following to secure a congressional seat representing part of Manhattan. Schlossberg faces significant competition from Alex Bores, a state Assembly member known for his proposals to regulate artificial intelligence, and Micah Lasher, a state Assembly member with substantial New York government experience. Lasher has support from key Democratic leaders in the state. The race also includes George Conway, an attorney and critic of former President Trump.
During his campaign’s final phase, Schlossberg received backing from David Letterman, while his mother, Caroline Kennedy, featured in one of his campaign ads. Lasher took his campaign directly to the voters, while Bores released an ad focusing on the risks posed by AI. He highlighted the financial influence of Big Tech in opposing his candidacy. Mamdani has chosen not to endorse any candidate in this race, concentrating on three other congressional contests involving embattled incumbents.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist supported by Mamdani, is challenging U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Espaillat is the first Dominican American elected to Congress from a district that includes northern Manhattan and part of the Bronx. He has criticized Avila Chevalier for social media posts she made in her 20s, attempting to undermine her credibility. Avila Chevalier apologized for a past post about former Vice President Kamala Harris during a recent debate.
Former city Comptroller Brad Lander, supported by Mamdani, is trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman. Lander has emphasized his association with the mayor, while Goldman focuses on his congressional productivity. Mamdani also supports Claire Valdez in her campaign against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Both candidates are progressives with similar views, though Valdez portrays herself as a potential Mamdani ally in Congress.