Radical Progressives Backed by NYC Mayor Oust Moderates in Troubling Democratic Primaries
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Three far-left candidates, endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, unseated experienced Democratic incumbents in New York primaries, with Brad Lander’s win over Congressman Dan Goldman in the 10th district raising concerns about the party’s direction and stance on Israel.
In a concerning shift for the Democratic Party, incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman was defeated by radical progressive Brad Lander in New York's 10th congressional district primary. Lander, who was endorsed by far-left figures like Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders, captured about 66% of the vote, while Goldman, supported by pro-Israel groups, received only 34%. The race exposed deep divisions within the party, especially regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Lander, echoing extreme rhetoric, labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, while Goldman stood with America’s ally.
Two other Mamdani-backed leftists also prevailed. Assemblywoman Claire Valdez unseated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the 7th district, and doctoral student Darializa Avila Chevalier ousted five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the 13th district. Mamdani praised Chevalier as “a person of clarity, of conscience and of conviction,” signaling the left’s growing influence over the party.
Lander, emboldened by his win, posted on social media that voters in his district “want leadership ready to fight, not fold, against authoritarianism,” a thinly veiled attack on more moderate voices. Goldman, demonstrating grace, called Lander to congratulate him, but was later insulted by former President Donald Trump as “weak and pathetic.”
In the 12th district, Jack Schlossberg, a descendant of John F. Kennedy, lost to Assemblymember Micah Lasher, while conservative lawyer George Conway received about 6% of the vote. Mamdani did not endorse any candidate in that race, perhaps seeing no viable far-left option.
All three Mamdani-backed candidates support radical policies such as abolishing ICE and hiking taxes on high earners, and have harshly criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza—positions that Israel strongly denies. Mainstream Democrats are now worried that this leftward lurch will alienate swing voters and jeopardize the party’s chances in the upcoming midterms.
