Mamdani-backed socialists sweep New York primaries

(The Center Square) — The Empire State took a dramatic turn to the left Tuesday after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s slate of democratic socialist candidates defeated Hakeem Jeffries’ endorsed moderates in several key congressional primary races.

Mamdani-backed former City Comptroller Brad Lander soundly defeated two-term U.S. Rep. Dan Golden in New York’s 10th Congressional District, which includes Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.

Claire Valdez, another Mamdani-backed candidate, bested Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in New York’s 7th District, which includes sections of Brooklyn and Queens. Valdez had 58% to Reynoso’s 32%, according to Tuesday night’s results.

Meanwhile, Darializa Avila Chevalier — whom Mamdani endorsed just days before the primary — ousted five-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th Congressional District to complete the mayor’s political trifecta.

All told, nine Democratic incumbents including state lawmakers and two congressmen lost the...