Mamdani-backed primary wins boost pro-Palestinian Democrats in New York
Three New York congressional candidates endorsed by Zohran Mamdani won Democratic primaries, a result advocates cast as a setback for pro-Israel politics.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Several New York Democrats who have sharply criticized Israel won congressional primaries Tuesday, giving pro-Palestinian activists a set of high-profile victories in safe Democratic districts. Al Jazeera reported that the results strengthened the wing of the party aligned with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and challenged the influence of pro-Israel groups in Democratic contests.
Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated longtime Representative Adriano Espaillat for the Democratic nomination, according to Al Jazeera. The outlet reported that Avila Chevalier, who was backed by Mamdani, helped organize pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University and launched her campaign last November while wearing a keffiyeh and speaking against family separations under the immigration system and what she called genocide in Palestine.
Al Jazeera reported that large parts of Columbia’s New York City campus are now likely to be represented in Congress by a former protest organizer. The outlet noted that pro-Palestine demonstrators at the university have faced security measures, academic discipline, criticism from politicians in both parties and deportation efforts over the past two years.
Three congressional wins
Two other candidates endorsed by Mamdani also won Democratic congressional primaries Tuesday, Al Jazeera reported. Brad Lander, a former city comptroller who opposes U.S. military aid to Israel, defeated incumbent Representative Dan Goldman, whom the outlet described as strongly pro-Israel.
Claire Valdez, a democratic socialist state legislator, won the nomination for an open congressional seat, according to Al Jazeera. The outlet reported that both Lander and Valdez are running in heavily Democratic districts and are expected to win their general elections in November.
At the state level, Al Jazeera reported that voters also backed several candidates who have criticized Israel. Among them was Aber Kawas, who the outlet said is on track to become New York’s first Palestinian state senator.
Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, called the results a “political earthquake in New York City” and said the Democratic establishment had been “put on notice.” Miller said support for Palestinian freedom had become “the path to victory for progressive candidates.”
Heba Gowayed, a sociology professor at the City University of New York, told Al Jazeera that the results showed a shift in what voters view as acceptable in U.S. politics. She said Avila Chevalier’s defeat of an entrenched incumbent was a rejection of establishment thinking that treats criticism of Israel as politically fatal.
Advocates see national opening
Iman Abid, political director of US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, praised the wins by Avila Chevalier and Valdez in a statement cited by Al Jazeera. Abid said progressives campaigning on workers’ rights, affordable rent, immigrant rights and Palestinian freedom had won their primaries.
Al Jazeera reported that advocates see the New York outcomes as part of a broader pattern, citing recent wins by pro-Palestine candidates Chris Rabb in Pennsylvania and Adam Hamawy in New Jersey. Rabb wrote on X that Avila Chevalier would fight for spending on children, immigrants and renters rather than bombs, immigration enforcement and real estate developers.
Al Jazeera reported that AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups have spent tens of millions of dollars against progressive candidates. Miller told the outlet that opposing AIPAC and calling for an end to U.S. support for Israel’s actions are proving effective messages in Democratic primaries.
The new lawmakers would take office in early 2027 if they win in November, Al Jazeera reported. The outlet said their arrival would widen a growing split in Congress over unconditional U.S. support for Israel, though it also noted that U.S. policy has remained largely aligned with the Israeli government under both Democratic and Republican administrations.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.