Blab Politics
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Pushes Progressive Candidates as June 23 Primary Looms
On Monday, the city’s congressional field settled into a crescendo of closing arguments, the last full day of campaigning before voters head to the polls on June 23. The race is a barometer of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s influence—a young democratic socialist who won New York’s mayoral seat in 2025 on a platform of fare‑free transit, a $30 minimum wage and city‑owned grocery stores.
Mamdani has turned his mayoral office into a launchpad for three House hopefuls. In a series of campaign videos and a rally that drew Senator Bernie Sanders, he declared, “The party of the past will not be what leads us into the future. We need a Democratic Party with backbone.” While he has not endorsed anyone in the 12th‑district race, his energy has been directed toward the other contests.
The 12th‑district contest is a high‑profile showdown. Jack Schlossberg, the 33‑year‑old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is vying for the seat being vacated by retiring Representative Jerry Nadler. Schlossberg’s campaign leans heavily on his Kennedy name and a robust social‑media following. He recently rallied alongside former “Late Show” host David Letterman, and his mother, Caroline Kennedy, produced a campaign advertisement. His opponents include state Assembly members Alex Bores, Micah Lasher and attorney George Conway. Bores, a former tech executive, has focused on artificial‑intelligence regulation and released an ad warning about AI risks. Lasher has met voters in the streets and has the backing of many Democratic leaders, while Conway, a former critic of President Trump, is also in the race.
In the 5th‑district race, Democratic‑socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier challenges incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican‑American elected to Congress. Avila Chevalier, who has received support from Mamdani, apologized for a past social‑media post that was described as crass and referenced former Vice President Kamala Harris.
The 6th‑district contest pits former city Comptroller Brad Lander against incumbent Representative Dan Goldman. Lander, who received the mayor’s endorsement, has highlighted his alliance with Mamdani, while Goldman has emphasized his record in Congress. Lander was also present at a City Hall celebration of the Knicks’ NBA championship.
In the 13th‑district race, former Assembly colleague Claire Valdez runs against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Both candidates are progressives, but Valdez frames herself as a potential ally of Mamdani in Washington.
The primary, held on June 23, is a closed election, meaning only registered Democrats may vote. The results will determine the Democratic nominees for the November 3 general election, when voters will elect the 26 members of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York.
As the final day of campaigning ends, the city’s political landscape remains divided between Mamdani’s progressive agenda and the more established Democratic establishment. The outcome of the primary will indicate whether Mamdani’s influence can translate into congressional seats.
The next steps for the candidates include finalizing campaign materials, conducting last‑minute voter outreach, and preparing for the primary ballot. The results will be certified by the New York State Board of Elections after the June 23 vote.
The primary’s outcome will shape the composition of New York’s congressional delegation and may set a precedent for progressive candidates in other states.
Mamdani has turned his mayoral office into a launchpad for three House hopefuls. In a series of campaign videos and a rally that drew Senator Bernie Sanders, he declared, “The party of the past will not be what leads us into the future. We need a Democratic Party with backbone.” While he has not endorsed anyone in the 12th‑district race, his energy has been directed toward the other contests.
The 12th‑district contest is a high‑profile showdown. Jack Schlossberg, the 33‑year‑old grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is vying for the seat being vacated by retiring Representative Jerry Nadler. Schlossberg’s campaign leans heavily on his Kennedy name and a robust social‑media following. He recently rallied alongside former “Late Show” host David Letterman, and his mother, Caroline Kennedy, produced a campaign advertisement. His opponents include state Assembly members Alex Bores, Micah Lasher and attorney George Conway. Bores, a former tech executive, has focused on artificial‑intelligence regulation and released an ad warning about AI risks. Lasher has met voters in the streets and has the backing of many Democratic leaders, while Conway, a former critic of President Trump, is also in the race.
In the 5th‑district race, Democratic‑socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier challenges incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican‑American elected to Congress. Avila Chevalier, who has received support from Mamdani, apologized for a past social‑media post that was described as crass and referenced former Vice President Kamala Harris.
The 6th‑district contest pits former city Comptroller Brad Lander against incumbent Representative Dan Goldman. Lander, who received the mayor’s endorsement, has highlighted his alliance with Mamdani, while Goldman has emphasized his record in Congress. Lander was also present at a City Hall celebration of the Knicks’ NBA championship.
In the 13th‑district race, former Assembly colleague Claire Valdez runs against Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Both candidates are progressives, but Valdez frames herself as a potential ally of Mamdani in Washington.
The primary, held on June 23, is a closed election, meaning only registered Democrats may vote. The results will determine the Democratic nominees for the November 3 general election, when voters will elect the 26 members of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York.
As the final day of campaigning ends, the city’s political landscape remains divided between Mamdani’s progressive agenda and the more established Democratic establishment. The outcome of the primary will indicate whether Mamdani’s influence can translate into congressional seats.
The next steps for the candidates include finalizing campaign materials, conducting last‑minute voter outreach, and preparing for the primary ballot. The results will be certified by the New York State Board of Elections after the June 23 vote.
The primary’s outcome will shape the composition of New York’s congressional delegation and may set a precedent for progressive candidates in other states.
