Key facts
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is supporting three far-left candidates in upcoming primary elections.
- The endorsements challenge mainstream Democratic incumbents Adriano Espaillat and Dan Goldman, and an open seat in Queens.
- These primaries are seen as a test of Mamdani's influence and the democratic socialist movement's strength.
- Other primaries are taking place in Maryland and Utah, with runoffs in South Carolina.
- Donald Trump has endorsed both candidates in the South Carolina gubernatorial runoff.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is leveraging his popularity to support three far-left candidates in upcoming primary elections, aiming to reshape the city's congressional delegation. These endorsements place Mamdani at odds with mainstream Democratic incumbents Adriano Espaillat and Dan Goldman, as well as potentially with Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whose role involves protecting party incumbents.
Mamdani's chosen candidates include Darializa Avila Chevalier, an activist challenging five-term Representative Espaillat, and Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller running against Representative Dan Goldman. Assembly Member Claire Valdez is competing for an open seat in Queens. The outcomes of these races are not expected to significantly alter the national balance of power but will serve as a gauge of Mamdani's influence and the growing strength of the democratic socialist movement within the Democratic Party.
In other primary contests, U.S. Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican in a swing district, will learn his general election opponent. Meanwhile, a crowded field of Democrats, including George Conway and Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, are vying for an open seat in Manhattan. In South Carolina, voters will decide between Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson for governor, with Donald Trump issuing a dual endorsement for both candidates after previous endorsements in other races faced setbacks.
