Mamdani picks win NY House primaries

Washington: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stre­ngthened his influence within the Democratic Party after three candidates he endorsed won Democratic US House primaries on Tuesday, defeating establishment-backed riv­als and highlighting growing support for progressive politics.

Mamdani said the contests were about electing “better Democrats” who would “put working people back at the heart of politics”. The results underscored his rising political clout despite concerns among Democratic leaders over his role in congressional races.

In the race for retiring US Representative Nydia Velaz­qu­ez’s seat, New York Assem­bly Member Claire Valdez defeated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Valdez was backed by Mamdani, while Reynoso had Velazquez’s endorsement.

Democratic US Represen­tative Adriano Espaillat lost his re-election bid to Darializa Avila Chevalier, a first-time candidate and democratic socialist endorsed by Mam­dani. Avila Chevalier previously helped organise pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.

Former NYC comptroller Brad Lander, another Mam­dani pick, defeated US Repre­sentative Dan Goldman after campaigning from the party’s left. The contest featured debate over the war in Gaza, with Lander criticising Goldman’s stance on Israel.

All three winners are expected to prevail in their strongly Democratic districts, potentially giving Mamdani three allies in Congress when the new term begins in January.

Meanwhile, Trump said on Social Truth, “Mayor Mamdani pulled through 3 solid Communists, and has received loud and universal applause from the fake news media. Congratulations Mr Mayor! I went 16-0 last night, helping to elect wonderful American patriots, and the media doesn’t say a word. Over the last two years, my endorsement has netted 259 primary wins, and almost no losses, with Zero media attention! Fake News.”

—AP