Mamdani-Backed Progressives Sweep Three New York Congressional Seats

Mayor Mamdani’s Endorsed Candidates Sweep House Races in New York City

Mayor Zohran Mamdani scored a clean sweep Tuesday as all three congressional candidates he endorsed in New York’s June 18 primary won their general election bids, extending the mayor’s political influence from City Hall to Capitol Hill and delivering a boost to the progressive wing of the House Democratic caucus, ABC7 New York (Eyewitness News) reported.

The victories in New York’s 7th, 10th and 13th Congressional Districts — all reliably Democratic “blue” seats — mean that two democratic socialists will join Congress alongside a third progressive ally, each backed by a mayor who has quickly become one of the most prominent voices in urban Democratic politics.

Valdez Captures Seat Vacated by Retiring Velázquez

State Assembly Member Claire Valdez was projected to defeat Republican Melvin Rivera and Priscilla Ghaznavi in the 7th Congressional District, winning the Brooklyn-based seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez. Valdez secured the Democratic nomination in June by defeating Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso — a well-known figure in city politics — in the primary for the open seat.

Chevalier Defeats Incumbent Espaillat, Wins 13th District

In the 13th Congressional District, Darializa Avila Chevalier — a democratic socialist who has never held public office — was projected to beat Republican Jomo M. Williams. Chevalier’s path to Congress began in June when she defeated incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the primary. Before her congressional run, Chevalier helped organize pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, bringing a background in campus activism directly to her campaign.

Lander Ousts Goldman in 10th District

Former City Comptroller Brad Lander completed the sweep in the 10th Congressional District, where he was projected to defeat Republican Jennifer Moore. Like Chevalier, Lander unseated a sitting Democratic congressman in the primary, having beaten U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman in June to secure the nomination.

A Kingmaker Emerges in City Politics

The clean sweep demonstrates the organizational muscle Mamdani built during his own election and shows that his endorsement carries significant weight in Democratic primaries across the city. By backing candidates who challenged two sitting House Democrats and a borough president, the mayor positioned himself as a decisive force within New York’s Democratic Party.

For voters in these districts, the outcome means representation from officials who campaigned on progressive platforms aligned with the mayor’s agenda. Two of the three winners identify as democratic socialists, a faction that has grown in influence within the House. Chevalier’s victory stands out given that she entered the race with no prior elected experience, relying instead on grassroots support and the mayor’s backing to overcome an established incumbent. The Associated Press contributed to the reporting on these races.