Progressive candidates backed by New York mayor win key Democratic primaries
Three candidates supported by Mayor Zohran Mamdani defeated incumbents in New York Democratic primaries, including Brad Lander's victory over Congressman Dan Goldman in the 10th district.
Incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman was defeated by progressive challenger Brad Lander in New York's 10th congressional district primary. Lander, who was endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders, received about 66% of the vote, while Goldman obtained roughly 34%. The race highlighted differing views within the Democratic Party on the Israel-Gaza conflict; Lander has described Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, whereas Goldman was supported by pro-Israel groups.
Two other Mamdani-backed candidates also won their primaries. Assemblywoman Claire Valdez unseated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the 7th district, and doctoral student Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the 13th district. Mamdani praised Chevalier as “a person of clarity, of conscience and of conviction.”
Lander posted on social media after the results, stating that voters in his district “want leadership ready to fight, not fold, against authoritarianism.” Goldman, who called Lander to congratulate him, said he respected the voters’ decision. President Donald Trump later described Goldman as “weak and pathetic.”
In the 12th district, Jack Schlossberg, a grandson of former President 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.
All three Mamdani-backed candidates have advocated for policies such as abolishing ICE and increasing taxes on high earners, and they have criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza, which Israel denies. Establishment Democrats have expressed concern that the left-leaning slate may face challenges appealing to swing voters in the upcoming midterm elections.
