Key facts
- Three Democratic candidates are competing for New York's 7th Congressional District seat.
- The candidates include Claire Valdez, Antonio Reynoso, and Julie Won.
- The seat was vacated by Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
- A debate will be broadcast on PIX11 on Wednesday at 7 p.m. EDT.
- Valdez leads in polls with 23% of the vote, followed by Reynoso with 21%.
- The primary election is on June 23.
New York's 7th Congressional District, encompassing parts of Brooklyn and Queens, is the focus of a competitive Democratic primary race following the retirement of longtime Representative Nydia Velázquez.
State Assemblymember Claire Valdez, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and City Council Member Julie Won are among the leading candidates. The district, which includes areas like Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Long Island City, is known for its progressive and Democratic socialist voter base.
Political endorsements have been divided, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani backing Valdez, while Velázquez has endorsed Reynoso. All three candidates are scheduled to participate in a debate on PIX11, offering voters a chance to compare their platforms.
Recent polling indicates Valdez is slightly ahead with 23% of the vote, followed closely by Reynoso at 21%. A significant portion of voters, 43%, remain undecided, highlighting the race's competitiveness. The primary election is set for June 23, with early voting commencing on June 13.