New York's congressional candidates are making their final appeals to voters on the eve of primary elections, with several races emerging as significant contests between progressive challengers and establishment Democratic figures. The outcomes are anticipated to be a test of the influence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who has been actively promoting a slate of candidates.
Mamdani has lent his support to three House races, including those featuring incumbents. He hosted a rally with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders to bolster his chosen candidates. "The party of the past will not be what leads us into the future. We need a Democratic Party with backbone," Mamdani stated.
One prominent race sees Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist endorsed by Mamdani, challenging U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat. Espaillat, the first Dominican American elected to Congress, has pointed to past controversial social media posts made by Avila Chevalier. In a recent debate, Avila Chevalier expressed regret for these posts, including one directed at former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Another contest Mamdani is backing is the bid by Claire Valdez, a former state Assembly colleague, to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez. Valdez, also a democratic socialist, has positioned herself as a potential ally for Mamdani in Washington, although she shares many views with her progressive opponent, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
Mamdani has also endorsed former City Comptroller Brad Lander in his challenge to U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman. Lander has emphasized his alignment with Mamdani, while Goldman has focused on his legislative record and noted that Mamdani did not endorse him in his mayoral race.
In a separate Manhattan race, Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is seeking a congressional seat. His campaign has featured endorsements from figures like former "The Late Show" host David Letterman and a campaign ad from his mother, Caroline Kennedy. Schlossberg faces competition from state Assembly members Alex Bores and Micah Lasher, as well as attorney George Conway. Bores' campaign has highlighted significant spending from technology companies in his race, linked to his proposals on artificial intelligence regulation.