New York Primary Sees Progressive Candidates Challenge Establishment Democrats

New York’s congressional candidates have one last opportunity to appeal to voters today, ahead of the primary election. The contest highlights the challenge from the progressive wing, represented by candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, against the establishment Democrats.

Mamdani, a young democratic socialist, has actively campaigned for his slate of three House candidates. He has used his influence by participating in campaign videos and organizing a rally with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders to support his choices just before the election.

The party of the past will not be what leads us into the future. We need a Democratic Party with backbone, said Mamdani.

In another notable race, Jack Schlossberg, the 33-year-old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, seeks a congressional seat representing part of Manhattan. His campaign depends heavily on his family legacy and an impressive social media presence. Schlossberg faces fierce competition from state Assembly members Alex Bores and Micah Lasher, among others. Bores is prominent for his proposals to regulate artificial intelligence and the resulting hefty campaign spending from Silicon Valley, while Lasher has deep roots in New York government with support from leading Democratic figures in the state.

George Conway, a well-known attorney who gained fame for criticizing former President Trump, is also contesting. As the campaign enters its final phase, Schlossberg has campaigned with David Letterman and released a campaign ad featuring his mother, Caroline Kennedy. Lasher has been engaging directly with voters, while Bores released an advertisement focusing on the risks of AI and the big tech opposition to his candidacy.

Mamdani has focused on three other congressional races, supporting candidates like Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Espaillat, the first Dominican American elected to Congress, represents a district covering northern Manhattan and part of the Bronx. He has criticized Avila Chevalier for past social media posts, which she has since apologized for during a recent debate.

Former city Comptroller Brad Lander has Mamdani’s endorsement in his bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman. Lander has aligned himself with the mayor’s vision and showcased his participation in events like the Knicks’ NBA championship celebration, while Goldman, who did not support Mamdani in the mayoral race, emphasizes his legislative accomplishments in Congress.

Lastly, Mamdani backs Claire Valdez, a former state Assembly colleague with democratic socialist leanings, against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the race to replace the retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez. Reynoso and Valdez share many progressive ideas, but Valdez highlights her potential as a Mamdani ally if elected to Congress.