New York Primary Elections: A Battle for the Soul of the Democratic Party

In the Seventh Congressional District, a highly competitive primary is underway, with a showdown between Antonio Reynoso, the Brooklyn borough president, and Claire Valdez, a New York State Assembly member. The seat is being vacated by incumbent congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, who is not seeking re-election. Velázquez has endorsed Reynoso, her protégé, while Mayor Zohran Mamdani is backing Valdez, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and an early supporter of Mamdani’s campaign. The Seventh District, often referred to as the 'Commie Corridor,' is one of the most left-wing congressional districts in the country. Reynoso and Valdez have put forward similarly progressive platforms, including the abolition of ICE, Medicare for All, and cutting off military aid to Israel. These similarities have led many to interpret the primary as a referendum on Mamdani's ability to get his allies elected to national office. Additionally, Julie Won, a New York City Council member, is also running in the primary, adding an extra layer of complexity to the contest.

The Seventh District is a crucial battleground in the city's primary elections, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the direction of the Democratic Party. The district has a long history of electing progressive politicians, and it is home to a large and activist-oriented constituency. Reynoso, who has served as the Brooklyn borough president since 2019, has built a reputation as a champion of progressive causes. He has vowed to continue this work in Congress, promising to fight for the rights of working-class New Yorkers. Valdez, on the other hand, has been endorsed by Mayor Mamdani, who is widely seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. She has also received the support of several high-profile Democrats, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.

Meanwhile, in the Tenth Congressional District, incumbent congressman Dan Goldman is facing a competitive primary challenge from Brad Lander, the former New York City comptroller. Lander, who dropped out of the 2025 mayoral election, has labeled Goldman a 'career politician' and criticized him for spending millions of dollars of his own money to fund his campaign. The district is home to a large Jewish population, and U.S.-Israel relations have emerged as a major issue in the race. Lander has called Israeli actions in Gaza a genocide, while Goldman has criticized the government of Benjamin Netanyahu but said he sees no evidence of a genocide. The district is considered a key battleground in the primary elections, and the outcome could have significant implications for the future of the Democratic Party.

In the Twelfth Congressional District, a crowded field of candidates is vying to replace the incumbent, Jerry Nadler, who plans to retire at the end of his term. The district, which includes wide swaths of Manhattan, is the wealthiest in the country. Alex Bores, a State Assembly member, and George Conway, a former Republican known for his anti-Trump activism, are two of the leading contenders. They are joined by Micah Lasher, also a State Assembly member, and Jack Schlossberg, a political influencer and the grandson of President John F. Kennedy. The district is known for its high level of engagement and activism, and the outcome of the primary is likely to be closely watched by national observers.

In the Thirteenth Congressional District, incumbent congressman Adriano Espaillat is facing a primary challenge from Darializa Avila Chevalier, a community organizer and a sociology Ph.D. candidate backed by Mayor Mamdani. The district has a diverse and vibrant community, and the primary has become a proxy for division within the Democratic Party over U.S.-Israel relations. Espaillat has been endorsed by several high-profile Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Chevalier, on the other hand, has called Israeli actions in Gaza a genocide and has been endorsed by Senator Sanders and former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman.

The New York primary elections are a critical milestone in the 2026 electoral calendar, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the future of the Democratic Party. As the primary races unfold, one thing is clear: the Democratic Party is at a crossroads, with deep divisions over issues like U.S.-Israel relations and economic policy. The outcome of the primary elections will not only determine the future of the Democratic Party but also set the stage for the 2026 general elections.