Stuart Varney discusses New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s vigorous campaign to promote New York as a hub for socialism in America. Mamdani endorses three progressive House candidates, including Daria Alisa, who advocates for policies such as free childcare, free college, and the abolition of ICE. Varney suggests that Mamdani, at age 34, aims to be the next prominent socialist leader, following in Bernie Sanders’ footsteps.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former President Donald Trump are not running for office in the upcoming elections, yet their influence within the Democratic and Republican parties will be evaluated as New York, Maryland, Utah, and South Carolina hold primary elections and runoffs. Trump, hedging his bets, gave a last-minute endorsement for the South Carolina GOP gubernatorial runoff, supporting both candidates to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Henry McMaster.

Mamdani is challenging political norms by opposing the party establishment, a year after delivering a political upset with his victory in New York City’s Democratic primary, culminating in his election as mayor of the nation’s most populous city. As a socialist leader, Mamdani is backing a range of candidates in the primaries, including three left-wing congressional challengers confronting the Democratic Party’s establishment.

Heading this group is Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Mamdani-supported primary contender challenging Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th Congressional District. This district covers the northern portion of Manhattan and a part of the Bronx. Chevalier, aged 32, believes a victory could trigger a movement toward socialist power across the nation. Espaillat, who has served in Congress for ten years, has support from many party figures, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Mamdani also supports former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Lander, who competed against Mamdani in the previous year’s primary but later became a supporter, is challenging current Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman in the 10th Congressional District, encompassing parts of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Goldman’s supporters include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

In New York’s 7th District, covering sections of Brooklyn and Queens, Mamdani backs state Assembly Member Claire Valdez, who competes against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Reynoso is endorsed by outgoing Rep. Nydia Velazquez. Both Valdez and Avila Chevalier, along with Mamdani, are members of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Valdez has indicated that voters desire Democratic candidates with a strong moral stance on issues like Israel, an issue that has attracted attention in these congressional races. Mamdani referred to AIPAC, a major pro-Israel lobbying organization, as “monsters.”

At a rally featuring Mamdani, the three candidates, and Bernie Sanders, Mamdani emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to undergo transformation. Success for Mamdani’s candidates could either enhance his political clout or diminish it. Although hailed as a progressive icon, Mamdani has found allies among former critics, including Hochul, and earned acknowledgment from Trump.

Last year, Trump labeled Mamdani a “communist lunatic,” but during a November meeting at the Oval Office, Trump praised Mamdani as “rational” and capable of performing well. Mamdani’s influence on the candidates he endorses, primarily those focusing on affordability in high-cost New York City, is substantial as these races become a focal point in the midterm elections. National Republican Congressional Committee Press Secretary Mike Marinella mentions that Mamdani’s socialist brand could be used against Democrats in the elections.

In South Carolina, Trump supported both Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the GOP gubernatorial nomination race. Trump previously endorsed Evette but later endorsed Wilson as well. This dual endorsement is not unprecedented, as Trump has done the same in past races, such as the 2022 GOP Senate primary in Missouri.

The South Carolina runoff presented another examination of Trump’s hold over the GOP and the effectiveness of his endorsements. Both Evette and Wilson advanced to a runoff, with tensions evident as they clashed in debates, highlighting their differing experiences. Wilson emphasized his role as attorney general and military experience, whereas Evette promoted her business credentials and Trump’s endorsement.

In New York, the vacated seat of retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler attracted various Democratic candidates. Among them were Alex Bores and Micah Lasher, as well as Jack Schlossberg, grandson of John F. Kennedy. Nadler endorsed Lasher.

In Utah, voters decided congressional candidates under a new map creating a Democratic-friendly district. In Maryland, Democratic Gov. Wes Moore faced a minor primary challenge as speculations arose about his presidential aspirations.