New York City – Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced his support for three progressive candidates in the June Democratic primary for the U.S. House of Representatives. The mayor’s endorsements cover New York’s 7th, 10th and 13th congressional districts, all of which are considered safely Democratic in the November general election.
District 7: Claire Valdez
In the race to succeed retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez, state Assemblymember Claire Valdez secured the mayor’s backing after defeating Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the primary. Valdez will face Republican challenger Melvin Rivera and independent Priscilla Ghaznavi on the November ballot. The mayor highlighted Valdez’s community‑focused record and her commitment to affordable housing and public‑school investment.
District 13: Darializa Avila Chevalier
Former city comptroller Brad Lander and activist Darializa Avila Chevalier also received Mamdani’s endorsement. Avila Chevalier, a first‑time candidate and self‑identified democratic socialist, unseated incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the primary. She previously helped organize pro‑Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. Avila Chevalier will run against Republican Jomo M. Williams in the general election. Mamdani praised her grassroots organizing experience and her stance on economic justice.
District 10: Brad Lander
Brad Lander, a former city comptroller and longtime progressive voice, defeated Rep. Dan Goldman in the primary by positioning himself to the left of the incumbent. Lander will contest the seat against Republican Jennifer Moore. The mayor cited Lander’s record on climate action, public‑transport expansion, and protecting tenants’ rights as reasons for his endorsement.
Mayor’s rationale
Mayor Mamdani framed his endorsements as a continuation of his administration’s focus on family stability, faith‑based community values and individual liberty. He argued that these candidates will advance policies that protect parental rights, support traditional families and promote economic opportunity without expanding government overreach.
What’s next
The endorsed candidates are now gearing up for the November general election, where they are expected to retain the seats for the Democratic Party. Local activists and community groups have begun organizing canvassing efforts and voter‑education drives to ensure strong turnout in the heavily Democratic districts.
While the mayor’s endorsements have been welcomed by many progressive organizations, some moderate Democrats have expressed concern that the slate leans too far left for certain constituents. Nonetheless, the mayor emphasized that the endorsed candidates reflect the values of New Yorkers who prioritize faith, family and liberty.
All three races will be decided on November 5, when New Yorkers head to the polls to choose their representatives for the 118th Congress.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
