Key facts
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is endorsing candidates in upcoming House primaries.
- Mamdani is backing progressive challengers against incumbent Democratic Reps. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat.
- He also endorsed a candidate in the open primary to succeed Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
- These endorsements have created friction with some Democratic figures, including Espaillat and Velázquez.
- Mamdani has also recently partnered with Gov. Kathy Hochul on policy initiatives.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is leveraging his political influence to shape the state's congressional delegation by endorsing candidates in upcoming House primaries. Mamdani has made endorsements in multiple contests, including backing progressive challengers against two sitting Democratic congressmen, an effort that has put him at odds with some established figures in the party.
The primaries serve as an early test of Mamdani's political clout following his historic election as mayor. He has recently achieved policy successes, such as partnering with Governor Kathy Hochul on a "pied-à-terre" tax and expanding free childcare. Mamdani also capitalized on the New York Knicks' NBA championship victory to promote his progressive agenda, featuring his endorsed candidates in a basketball-themed advertisement.
Mamdani's endorsement of Brad Lander, who is challenging Rep. Dan Goldman, aligns with national progressive leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. However, his support for Darializa Avila Chevalier against Rep. Adriano Espaillat and for Claire Valdez in the race to succeed Rep. Nydia Velázquez has generated significant controversy. Espaillat, a progressive himself, reportedly had an understanding with Mamdani for support, and Velázquez has expressed frustration over Mamdani backing a candidate supported by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) over her preferred choice.
Strategists suggest Mamdani is taking calculated risks in races where the outcomes may not significantly impact his agenda, while maintaining relationships with key state officials. However, some political observers, like Columbia University professor Ester Fuchs, argue that Mamdani has more to lose than gain, given his narrow victory in the mayoral race and the need to expand his base. Cornell University professor Dan Lamb believes that despite primary conflicts, politicians will likely cooperate post-election due to survival instincts.