New York Democratic Primaries: Progressive Wave Topples Incumbents

In the New York Democratic primary elections held on Tuesday, June 25, 2026, three candidates endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won their respective congressional district primaries, defeating two incumbent representatives. The results have drawn attention to ideological divisions within the Democratic Party.

Key Election Results

Three congressional candidates received Mayor Mamdani's endorsement and won their primaries:

• Darializa Avila Chevalier won the 13th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat, who had served five terms. Chevalier, 32, is a PhD student and first-time candidate. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Her platform included abolishing ICE, ending deportations, and socialized healthcare. She had previously organized pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University.

• Brad Lander won the 10th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Representative Dan Goldman. Lander is a former New York City comptroller and a progressive Democrat who left the DSA in 2023.

• Claire Valdez won the 7th Congressional District primary, defeating Antonio Reynoso. Valdez is a state representative and member of the DSA. She is expected to fill the seat of retiring Representative Nydia Velázquez.

A total of nine Democratic incumbents lost their seats, including seven state lawmakers and two U.S. representatives. In addition to these congressional races, Mamdani-endorsed candidates won five state legislative primaries.

Reactions from Elected Officials

Democratic Party

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) downplayed the significance of the results for battleground districts and stated that Mayor Mamdani has "work to do" building relationships with members of Congress.

Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) struck a combative tone: "Obviously, the socialists had a big win last night. The question is, are we going to let them take over the party? Or are we going to stand up and fight back?" He also criticized Mamdani's rhetoric on Israel, calling it "laundering antisemitism."

Representative Greg Meeks (D-NY) said bluntly: "If you ask me, it was not a good night for New York."

Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) described the results as "a big win for the progressive wing of the party."

Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) said the results reflect the influence of a small minority and called for more organizing around moderate policies.

Representative Marc Veasey (D-TX) dismissed the progressive gains, stating moderates are playing a longer game.

Representative Summer Lee (D-PA) called for welcoming the new nominees and understanding their perspectives.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said New York results show voters are tired of establishment politics.

Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) suggested the party should draw lessons about bolder policies and tactics.

Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) emphasized the challenge of unifying different viewpoints to serve struggling constituents.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said efforts to nationalize the New York results would fail.

New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) expressed disappointment, stating that some endorsed candidates lack understanding of New York City's politics and cultural differences. She acknowledged dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party but warned that internal divisions could damage electoral prospects. She expressed preference for reaching an understanding with socialists to defuse tensions.

Republican Party

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the winning candidates are "communist" and stated that their victories should make the November midterms easier for Republicans. He also said: "America the Beautiful will NEVER be a Communist Country!!!" and "Weak and pathetic Congressman Dan Goldman just lost, BIG! I guess people didn't like him illegally targeting President TRUMP." Trump claimed his endorsements resulted in 259 primary wins over two years, with "Zero media attention."

House Speaker Mike Johnson said that Mamdani and progressives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders have taken control of the Democratic Party.

Analysis of Voter Demographics

In New York's 13th Congressional District, incumbent Representative Espaillat won lower-income and majority-Black precincts, while challenger Chevalier carried areas with higher incomes, more university graduates, and younger residents.

A Democratic political operative told the New York Post that Black and Hispanic voters oppose the DSA's efforts in Harlem. The operative noted that affluent voters backed DSA-affiliated candidates while working-class residents supported establishment picks.

According to a New York Times/Siena poll from May 2026, 60% of potential Democratic voters expressed more sympathy with Palestinians than Israel, indicating a shift in party sentiment.

Statements from Mayor Mamdani

Mayor Mamdani claimed credit for the results, stating the movement is not an anomaly but a beginning. He criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, calling them "monsters" and alleging they use "dark money."

Broader Implications

Republican operatives plan to use Mamdani's endorsed candidates to criticize Democrats in competitive midterm races. Some Democratic lawmakers expressed concern that the results could make it harder to flip the House in November, as Republicans may use the candidates' positions in attack ads.

One anonymous Democratic lawmaker from a battleground district reported having serious conversations with donors about leaving the party over the rise of the DSA. A senior House Democratic aide noted that the victories reflect an "anti-establishment strategy beyond messaging" that the party must address.

The primary outcomes occur less than a year before the November 2026 midterm elections, with control of Congress at stake. The winning candidates are expected to win their House seats in the general election, as the districts are considered safely Democratic.