New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces a pivotal moment in assessing his political influence as his endorsed candidates compete against more establishment-aligned Democrats in New York’s congressional primaries. Mamdani’s successful mayoral campaign in 2025 marked a significant victory for the political left. As a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), he now seeks to support progressives and socialists in congressional positions, potentially strengthening their presence in New York politics.
Who Is Mamdani Supporting in New York Primaries?
Mamdani has endorsed candidates in opposition to two incumbents in New York City congressional districts. In the 10th District, he supports former City Comptroller Brad Lander over Representative Dan Goldman. Additionally, he backs organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier against Representative Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District. For the open race in the 7th District, he endorses Assemblymember Claire Valdez over Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Although both Avila Chevalier and Valdez are DSA members, Lander is not affiliated with the organization.
If Mamdani’s candidates succeed, it would signify an expansion of the progressive movement in New York’s congressional seats. Their defeat, however, might suggest hesitance among many New Yorkers beyond Mamdani’s core supporters to fully embrace his progressive approach.
Valdez vs. Reynoso: New York’s 7th District
The 7th District race emerged as Representative Nydia Velázquez, a longstanding congressional figure, opted against seeking reelection. Valdez, a newcomer to city politics with election experience in the State Assembly since 2024, faces off against Reynoso, who previously served on the city council starting in 2014 before assuming the borough presidency.
While Mamdani and figures like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders rally behind Valdez, Velázquez and the Working Families Party support Reynoso. An Emerson College poll indicates a close race, with Valdez at 23 percent and Reynoso at 21 percent. Many voters, around 43 percent, remain undecided. Previous surveys suggest Reynoso once led, garnering 28 percent against Valdez’s 24 percent.
Valdez appears favored in prediction markets, with an 83 percent chance of winning according to contracts traded on Kalshi and Polymarket.
Velázquez criticized the mayor’s endorsement, suggesting such moves create conflict. She stated, “Primaries sometimes can be a distraction from the work that you need to do.”
Lander vs. Goldman: New York’s 10th District
Lander maintains a close alliance with Mamdani after sharing progressive support in previous elections. Mamdani supports Lander in his contest against Goldman, who was elected in 2022. The mayor described Lander as a “trusted ally and partner.”
Goldman, viewed as insufficiently progressive by some in the district, has faced leftist scrutiny over his policies. Polls indicate Lander’s advantage, with an Emerson College poll showing 57 percent support for him against Goldman’s 23 percent. Prediction markets also heavily favor Lander.
Avila Chevalier vs. Espaillat: New York’s 13th District
Representing Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx since 2017, Espaillat confronts Avila Chevalier’s challenge. While she criticizes Espaillat’s progressiveness on issues like foreign policy, some Democrats express concerns about her past social media remarks.
Polls suggest a competitive race, with a Data for Progress poll showing Avila Chevalier ahead with 39 percent to Espaillat’s 35 percent. Prediction markets slightly favor Espaillat’s chances for winning.
Mamdani Clashes With Establishment
Mamdani’s relationship with the political establishment in New York City remains tenuous. Major figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have sided with opponents such as Goldman and Espaillat. Meanwhile, Democratic strategist Basil Smikle points to an “outsider-insider tension” between the DSA wing and the party establishment.
Mamdani has articulated lofty goals during campaign events, emphasizing aspirations for “more” within the Democratic Party.
DSA Could Expand Ranks in 2026 Midterms
The DSA stands poised for potential growth amid dissatisfaction with President Trump’s administration. The organization secured a major win with Janeese Lewis George’s victory in Washington, D.C., and looks to further successes with candidates like Nithya Raman in Los Angeles and endorsed candidates in Pennsylvania and other districts.