Wins by Mamdani-backed candidates deal blow to pro-Israel camp in US

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's endorsed progressive candidates achieved a significant victory in the city's Democratic congressional primaries. On Tuesday, Mamdani-backed candidates defeated two incumbent congressmen: Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist, unseated Adriano Espaillat, and former city comptroller Brad Lander, also backed by Mamdani, defeated Dan Goldman. Additionally, another Mamdani ally, Claire Valdez, defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. These primary wins are crucial as they determine the Democratic nominees for the November midterm elections, which will decide control of Congress. The results signal a surge in Mamdani's political influence and a potential challenge to establishment Democrats, with the winning candidates advocating for change on issues like the conflict in Gaza and affordability.

In New York City's Democratic primaries, candidates endorsed by Zohran Mamdani achieved a significant victory, winning three closely watched congressional races. Brad Lander defeated Representative Dan Goldman, Claire Valdez unseated Representative Nydia Velázquez's preferred successor, and Darializa Avila Chevalier upset incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat. These wins signal Mamdani's expanding influence within the Democratic party. Elsewhere, Jack Schlossberg, grandson of John F. Kennedy, failed to win his primary bid to replace Representative Jerry Nadler. Other races saw incumbents fend off challenges and new candidates emerge in various districts across New York and other states.

Three candidates endorsed by Zohran Mamdani achieved victories in Democratic congressional primaries held on Tuesday in New York. These wins suggest the coalition that supported Mamdani's mayoral campaign last year is growing in influence. The primaries saw established political figures defeated, reflecting internal party disagreements on issues such as ideology, Israel, and immigration. Specifically, former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated Congressman Dan Goldman in the 10th Congressional District. State lawmaker Claire Valdez secured a win in the 7th district, and community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated incumbent Adriano Espaillat in the 13th Congressional District.

Republican-linked PACs are reportedly funding Democratic candidates in US primaries to boost "weak" contenders they believe will be easier for Republicans to defeat in the upcoming midterm elections. This tactic has been observed in states like New Jersey, Maine, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska. Two "pop-up" super PACs, Real Change PAC and Lead Left, linked to the Republican group Conservative Americans PAC, have spent millions to support controversial Democrats. The goal is to influence the composition of Congress, which is crucial for President Trump's policies. While the effectiveness of this strategy has been mixed, it highlights the complex and sometimes opaque nature of campaign finance in US elections, with "dark money" potentially influencing outcomes.

New York Democrats are voting in primary elections that will reveal the strength of the party's left flank and influence the battle for control of the US House of Representatives. These contests, alongside primaries in Maryland and Utah and runoffs in South Carolina, are testing competing visions within the Democratic party in the Trump era. In New York, self-identified democratic socialists, backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are challenging centrist incumbents in safe Democratic districts. These races are seen as an ideological test of the party's future, with issues like the war in Gaza also playing a role. Additionally, a primary in New York's wealthiest district is examining the influence of the Kennedy name and the impact of the AI industry.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Utah, Maryland, and New York will hold primary elections, while South Carolina will conduct a Republican run-off. Redistricting is a central issue in the Democratic primaries in Utah and Maryland. In Utah's 1st congressional district, Democrats are competing for a nominee in a newly drawn district that includes Salt Lake County, a Democratic-leaning area. The open primary nature of this race has led to speculation about independent and Republican voters participating. Maryland's Democratic primary for a state Senate seat is also drawing attention, with State Senate President Bill Ferguson facing criticism for rejecting a redistricting push. South Carolina's run-off elections will determine which Republican candidates advance to the November midterm elections.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is flexing his political influence by endorsing progressive and democratic socialist candidates in upcoming primary elections. A key race in New York's Manhattan House primary has become a proxy battle between two AI industry factions, with one group spending heavily against Assemblyman Alex Bores, who advocates for AI regulation, while another group supports him. In South Carolina, President Donald Trump, after recent gubernatorial primary losses, endorsed both candidates in a Republican runoff to ensure a win for his chosen side. Other races to watch on Tuesday include primaries in Maryland, Utah, and New York, featuring contests that will test the political clout of various figures and the direction of political platforms.

New York's Democratic primaries on Tuesday will determine party nominees for the November midterm elections, potentially influencing control of Congress. Key races are testing the party's direction, with democratic socialist candidates challenging incumbents on issues like Israel policy, police reform, and inequality. In the 10th District, progressive Brad Lander is facing incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman, with their differing stances on Israel dominating the primary. Lander, endorsed by figures like Zohran Mamdani and Bernie Sanders, has criticized Israeli military actions, while Goldman emphasizes his support for Israel, despite distancing himself from AIPAC. Another race in the 13th District sees DSA-endorsed Darializa Avila Chevalier challenging incumbent Adriano Espaillat.