Progressive Victories in New York Democratic Primaries
US Congressman Dan Goldman was defeated in a New York primary election, marking a clean sweep for candidates supported by New York's democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Goldman lost to progressive challenger Brad Lander in New York's 10th congressional district, a contest that highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Lander has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, while Goldman, a two-term incumbent, was backed by pro-Israel groups.
Two additional candidates, both democratic socialists endorsed by Mamdani as part of his effort to shift the Democratic Party to the left, won their primary races on Tuesday, strengthening the party's left wing in New York City.
Assemblywoman Claire Valdez unseated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the 7th district.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a doctoral student who has participated in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, won her race in New York's 13th district.
Chevalier defeated Adriano Espaillat, who had represented the district for five terms and serves as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, an organization advocating for legislation and resources for Hispanic Americans.
Mamdani praised Chevalier's victory, describing her as a person "of clarity, of conscience and of conviction".
Lander, who was also endorsed by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a fellow democratic socialist, defeated Goldman decisively with 65.7% of the vote to Goldman's 34.1%, based on most counted ballots.
Mamdani also commended Lander, highlighting his "vision of politics that is more than what we've seen for so long".
Following the results, Lander posted on X that his win demonstrated the desire of his district's residents, covering Lower Manhattan and part of Brooklyn, for "leadership ready to fight, not fold, against authoritarianism".
The race between Lander and Goldman, the latter first elected to Congress in 2022, was viewed as a test of Mamdani's political influence.
Goldman reportedly called Lander to congratulate him, according to CBS, the BBC's US news partner.
"Tonight, the voters of 10th District have spoken. While this is not the outcome I worked so hard for, I respect their decision," Goldman said.
In the aftermath, former US President Donald Trump described Goldman as "weak and pathetic" and noted that the congressman "just lost, BIG!"
Goldman is an heir to the Levi Strauss denim fortune.
Goldman received recognition within his party for leading the first impeachment inquiry of Trump in 2019.
However, his support for Israel prompted backlash from some New Yorkers, including a Brooklyn coffee shop that posted on social media over the weekend that Goldman was not welcome there.
Goldman visited Poetica Coffee in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with his seven-year-old daughter on Sunday. The coffee shop posted that it does not "serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers or anyone in between." The post was later deleted. Both Lander and Goldman are Jewish.
Other Notable Primary Results
In New York's affluent 12th district, Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, lost his election.
Schlossberg, 33, was defeated by Assemblymember Micah Lasher in a crowded race to succeed Congressman Jerry Nadler. Lasher previously served as an aide to Nadler.
Schlossberg, the son of Caroline Kennedy, is a Vogue correspondent, Harvard Law School graduate, and political newcomer known for his quirky social media posts.
Another candidate in the 12th district was George Conway, a conservative lawyer who founded the anti-Trump group Lincoln Project. Conway received approximately 6% of the vote.
Mamdani did not endorse any candidate in that race.
Political Implications and Reactions
Mayor Mamdani stated on Tuesday:
"It's not just a question of electing more Democrats. It's a question of electing better Democrats.
When I look at these candidacies, I see in them a willingness to also put working people back at the heart of our politics."
However, establishment Democrats in Washington have expressed concern that left-wing candidates may struggle to attract swing voters in the upcoming November midterm elections.
All three candidates backed by Mamdani have pledged to "abolish ICE" and "tax the rich," and have accused Israel of genocide, an allegation Israel denies.
Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, commented on Mamdani's influence:
"We have agreed to strongly disagree.
A handful of primaries that go in one direction or the other, in a given state or two, aren't going to reshape who we are as House Democrats."
