Democratic primaries in New York highlight split between progressives and establishment ahead of House races

New Yorkers voted on Tuesday in a series of Democratic primaries that are being watched as an early test of the party’s ideological direction and its prospects for flipping the U.S. House in November. While similar contests took place in Maryland, Utah and South Carolina, the New York races are seen as pivotal because the state could determine the balance of power in the chamber.

In several safe-blue districts, self-identified democratic socialists endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani are challenging incumbent Democrats. Former city comptroller Brad Lander and public-defense investigator Darializa Avila Chevalier are running against incumbents in the 10th and 13th districts, respectively. Mamdani said at a rally, > "People often ask me what I think of the state of the Democratic party. This slate here today is our answer. The Democratic party must change. The party of the past will not be what leads us into the future. We need a Democratic party with backbone."

In the 7th district, Mamdani-backed candidate Claire Valdez faces Brooklyn borough president Antonio Reynoso, who has the endorsement of House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and former congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. The contest is viewed as a showdown between the party’s progressive wing and its traditional establishment.

The primaries also include high-profile races in the state’s wealthiest 12th district. Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is competing with state legislators Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, the latter drawing opposition from AI-industry super-PACs over his proposed regulatory legislation. Former Trump adviser George Conway, running on an anti-Trump platform, has out-raised other candidates.

Issues such as the war in Gaza and ties to the pro-Israel lobby have surfaced, with some candidates condemning Israel’s actions and others facing criticism for alleged AIPAC connections.

Beyond the city, Democrats are targeting a vulnerable Republican seat in the 17th district north of New York City. Five Democratic candidates, including former White House counter-terrorism official Cait Conley, aim to unseat two-term Republican Mike Lawler, who is considered one of the GOP’s most at-risk incumbents.

With Republicans holding a narrow 217-212 House majority and several seats vacant, the outcomes of New York’s primaries could shape the party’s strategy and influence the broader midterm contest.