Former New York Governor David Paterson has issued a stark warning to the Democratic Party, asserting that it faces potential "extinction" if it fails to counteract a perceived socialist takeover that is alienating moderate voters.
Paterson, who also previously chaired the state Democratic Party, voiced his concerns following recent primary election results where a slate backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) secured several key congressional Democratic primary contests and a majority of state legislative seats. He stated that the party "had better get that message and turn it around before we become extinct."
He specifically pointed to the election of Darializa Avila Chevalier, whom he described as a "controversial socialist," in the 13th House District. Chevalier ousted five-term incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat, with Paterson noting that her victory represented a small fraction of the district's overall population. "There are 700,000 people who live in that district, which means that she got 5% of the people that live there to vote for her," Paterson said. "I would suggest that within two years a real organized campaign gets put together and she can take her 5% and go back to wherever she was before she ran the first time."
Paterson, who represented Harlem as a state senator and later served as lieutenant governor and governor, has been critical of his party's left-leaning policies since becoming a radio analyst. He has previously criticized Democrats in Albany for legislation such as the cashless bail law and has faulted former President Joe Biden for the handling of the migrant crisis.
However, current state Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs dismissed Paterson's concerns as an overreaction. "Everybody is overreacting," Jacobs stated, referring to Paterson as a "friend." Jacobs argued that the DSA's victories occurred in "very progressive districts in New York City" and do not reflect the views of the entire Democratic Party.
Jacobs highlighted the re-election of state Democratic Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who won his primary by a 2-to-1 margin against two progressive challengers. He also cited Rep. Tom Suozzi's successful defense of his seat in New York's 3rd Congressional District, noting that Suozzi has positioned himself as a moderate and distanced himself from socialist policies. "Congressman Tom Suozzi hasn’t suddenly become a socialist," Jacobs remarked.