New York Democratic Primaries Highlight Progressive Challenges and Israel Policy Divide
Tuesday’s primaries in New York will decide Democratic nominees for several congressional seats, with progressive candidates confronting incumbents over issues such as Israel-Palestine policy, immigration reform and economic inequality.
New York voters will cast ballots on Tuesday in a series of Democratic primaries that could shape the party’s direction ahead of the 2024 midterm elections. Early voting ran from June 13 to June 21, and polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. local time.
In the 10th District, former city comptroller Brad Lander is challenging incumbent Dan Goldman. Lander, who previously aligned with mayoral winner Zohran Mamdani, has criticized Israeli military actions in Gaza and called for a ban on U.S. weapons sales to Israel, while affirming Israel’s right to exist. Goldman, backed by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Governor Kathy Hochul, has defended Israel’s position and rejected claims of genocide or apartheid. The race is closely watched as polls show a narrow lead for Lander.
The 13th District race pits Democratic Socialist Party-endorsed community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier against long-time incumbent Adriano Espaillat. Avila Chevalier, supported by Senator Bernie Sanders, advocates police and prison reform and vocal Palestinian rights, while Espaillat emphasizes incremental immigration reform and has received support from pro-Israel groups.
In Brooklyn and Queens, state assemblywoman Claire Valdez, endorsed by Mamdani, is running against borough president Antonio Reynoso for the 7th District seat. Both candidates share progressive platforms, including ending ICE and U.S. military aid to Israel, but differ on their political backgrounds and union support.
The 12th District, an affluent Manhattan area, features a crowded field to replace retiring Representative Jerrold Nadler. Among the contenders are Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, assemblyman Alex Bores, who prioritizes AI regulation, and former Republican commentator George Conway. Early polls favored Schlossberg, but recent surveys show Bores and fellow assemblyman Micah Lasher gaining momentum.
Republican incumbent Mike Lawler in the Hudson Valley’s 17th District is the target of multiple Democratic hopefuls seeking to flip the seat. Candidates range from former Army officer Cait Conley to activist Effie Phillips-Staley, reflecting a mix of centrist and progressive strategies.
These contests will determine which candidates advance to the November general election, influencing the balance of power in Congress and the ability of lawmakers to support or block President Donald Trump’s agenda during his final two years in office.
