New York (USA), 24 June (LaPresse/AP) – The Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, has strengthened his political influence following the success of the candidates he backed in the Democratic primaries for Congress. The primaries resulted in the defeat of two incumbent federal MPs, dealing a severe blow to the party establishment. Among the most significant results, former city auditor Brad Lander defeated MP Dan Goldman, whilst Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated veteran MP Adriano Espaillat, leader of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Claire Valdez, another figure from the progressive wing, also secured victory. The victory consolidates Mamdani’s position as a leading figure on the Democratic left and heightens tensions with the party leadership, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who had backed the defeated candidates. The key issues of the campaign were the cost of living, immigration and the war in Gaza. Candidates aligned with Mamdani took strongly critical stances towards Israel, favouring the abolition of ICE and higher taxation on higher incomes. On the Republican side, entrepreneur and Trump supporter Anthony Constantino secured the nomination for New York State’s 21st congressional district. The primaries represent a key test of the internal balance of power within the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 mid-term elections.
New York: Mamdani candidates dominate the Democratic primaries
New York (USA), 24 June (LaPresse/AP) – The Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, has strengthened his political influence following the success of the candidates he backed in the Democratic primaries for Congress. The primaries resulted in the defeat of two incumbent federal MPs, dealing a severe blow to the party establishment. Among the most significant results, former city auditor Brad Lander defeated MP Dan Goldman, whilst Democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated veteran MP Adriano Espaillat, leader of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Claire Valdez, another figure from the progressive wing, also secured victory. The victory consolidates Mamdani’s position as a leading figure on the Democratic left and heightens tensions with the party leadership, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who had backed the defeated candidates. The key issues of the campaign were the cost of living, immigration and the war in Gaza. Candidates aligned with Mamdani took strongly critical stances towards Israel, favouring the abolition of ICE and higher taxation on higher incomes. On the Republican side, entrepreneur and Trump supporter Anthony Constantino secured the nomination for New York State’s 21st congressional district. The primaries represent a key test of the internal balance of power within the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 mid-term elections.
