New York Democratic primaries test progressives and House control
Tuesday’s contests include House races shaped by Israel policy, DSA-backed challengers and a key Republican-held target in the Hudson Valley.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
New York Democrats vote Tuesday in primaries that will set several November races for Congress. The results could help decide control of the US House of Representatives and shape how much room President Donald Trump has to pass legislation in the final two years of his term, Al Jazeera reported.
Early voting ran from June 13 to June 21, according to Al Jazeera. Polls are scheduled to open at 6 a.m. local time Tuesday and close at 9 p.m.
The contests follow the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor seven months ago, when the democratic socialist became the city’s first Muslim leader, Al Jazeera reported. Several candidates now hope to show whether the same left-wing energy can carry into congressional primaries.
Israel policy dominates a Manhattan-Brooklyn race
In New York’s 10th District, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is challenging Representative Dan Goldman in a race centered heavily on Israel and Gaza, according to Al Jazeera. The district covers lower Manhattan and northern Brooklyn.
Lander, who allied with Mamdani during last year’s mayoral primary, has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and described its control of occupied Palestinian territory as apartheid, Al Jazeera reported. He has called for blocking US weapons to Israel while saying Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish state and opposing the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.
Goldman has supported Israel while sharply criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, according to Al Jazeera. He has rejected the genocide and apartheid descriptions, received an endorsement from AIPAC and also returned direct donations as he sought distance from the lobbying group. Recent polls cited by Al Jazeera showed Lander ahead, with a close race expected.
DSA-backed candidates challenge incumbents
Two races will measure the strength of the Democratic Socialists of America, which helped Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, Al Jazeera reported. In the 13th District, covering upper Manhattan and the Bronx, DSA-backed community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier is challenging Representative Adriano Espaillat, who has held the seat since 2017.
Espaillat, 71, has cast Avila Chevalier, 32, as inexperienced and outside the Democratic mainstream, according to Al Jazeera. Avila Chevalier has apologized for some past social media posts criticizing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris while standing by a platform calling for changes to policing, prisons and immigration enforcement.
Israel has also figured in that race. Al Jazeera reported that Avila Chevalier has supported Palestinian rights and said she attended a pro-Palestine rally after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack because she expected Israeli retaliation against civilians. Espaillat has received praise from AIPAC, and filings cited by Al Jazeera show an allied super PAC spent hundreds of thousands of dollars against Avila Chevalier.
In the 7th District, covering parts of northern Brooklyn and Queens, state Assemblywoman Claire Valdez is running with Mamdani’s endorsement against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Al Jazeera reported. Both candidates are considered progressive and share positions including ending US military aid to Israel and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
An open Manhattan seat and a Republican target
New York’s 12th District has drawn eight Democrats seeking to replace retiring Representative Jerrold Nadler, according to Al Jazeera. The field includes Jack Schlossberg, grandson of John F Kennedy; state Assemblyman Alex Bores, who has focused on AI regulation; Assemblyman Micah Lasher; and George Conway, a former Republican and prominent Trump critic. Recent surveys cited by Al Jazeera suggested Bores and Lasher had moved ahead.
Democrats are also choosing a nominee in the 17th District, a Hudson Valley seat held by Republican Mike Lawler, Al Jazeera reported. Five Democrats are running: Cait Conley, Beth Davidson, John Cappello, Effie Phillips-Staley and Mike Sacks. Recent polls cited by Al Jazeera showed Conley leading.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.