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Democratic Socialists · New York Politics · Policy Shift · Primary Elections
Two Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, secured key wins in New York's Democratic congressional primaries, effectively guaranteeing two more DSA members in the House of Representatives.
Valdez easily defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, while Avila Chevalier unseated five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat, the leader of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. These victories in heavily Democratic districts mean Valdez and Chevalier are all but certain to join the 120th Congress in January, increasing DSA representation from two (Reps.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib) to four. Both candidates campaigned on anti-Israel platforms, advocating for divestment from Israeli companies and halting US arms sales.
Valdez also supports property seizure from landlords, and Chevalier has expressed opposition to deporting criminal illegal aliens and refused to condemn the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Former President Trump criticized the wins on Truth Social, predicting negative consequences for "badly failing Blue States" under socialist leadership.
Mamdani-Backed Socialists Win NYC Primaries, Shift Policy(current)
