New York’s primary elections reflect a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party as Democratic Socialists, including Zohran Mamdani, actively support progressive challengers. Among the key figures are candidates Claire Valdez, Darieliza Avila Chevalier, and Brad Lander, who advocate for policies like Medicare for All and the abolition of ICE.

Controversy surrounds Congressman Dan Goldman, recently banned by a Brooklyn coffee shop due to his pro-Israel stance, prompting a civil rights investigation.

Valdez’s Controversial Remarks

New York state Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, the Democratic nominee for New York’s 7th Congressional District, faced criticism online after a podcast clip from May gained traction post-primary victory. In the clip, Valdez, a democratic socialist, proposed abolishing TSA PreCheck and nationalizing the airline industry. She shared these views during a May 1 appearance on “Candidate Corner,” a segment of the “The Bitchuation Room” podcast.

Valdez’s remarks sparked backlash as the clip circulated following her primary win against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and others.

Reactions to Valdez’s Proposals

Former Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., criticized Valdez, suggesting her policies would complicate air travel. Tré Easton, a former Sen. John Fetterman staffer, also mocked the call to end TSA PreCheck.

David J. Bier of the Cato Institute warned that nationalizing industries could result in political misuse, affecting flight destinations and operations.

Travel writer Gary Leff argued that PreCheck allows the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to efficiently use limited screening resources by focusing on passengers who haven’t been vetted.

Underlying Issues and Proposals

Valdez defended her proposals as necessary responses to airline profits, passenger fees, and insufficient consumer protections. She argued that without a strong national rail system, Americans are left with few options for cross-country travel.

The current U.S. airline industry operates with deregulation since the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, which removed federal controls over fares and routes.

Valdez’s transportation platform advocates for reallocating federal funds from road infrastructure to public transit, cycling, and walking. It does not explicitly include her podcast remarks about PreCheck or airline nationalization.

Fox News requested comments from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Assemblywoman Valdez but did not receive immediate responses.

CJ Womack is an associate editor at Fox News, with a background in political science and journalism from Long Beach State University.