Zohran Mamdani Backed Candidates Win New York Democratic Primaries Amid Israel Controversy

Democratic Socialist candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won primary elections on Tuesday, giving his camp a notable boost in its effort to shape the Democratic Party’s future. The winners included Brad Lander, Darialysse Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, all of whom benefited from Mamdani’s support and from backing by the New York City Democratic Socialists of America.

Chevalier’s victory is drawing the most scrutiny because of her positions on Israel. She has supported pro-Palestinian protests, joined the Columbia University tent encampment, opposes U.S. weapons transfers to Israel, and has previously posted harsh criticisms of the Israeli government and the IDF campaign in Gaza. She also took part in a “victory march” where speakers praised Hamas, one day after the October 7 massacre.

Chevalier defeated Adriano Espaillat, the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who is considered close to pro-Israel groups including AIPAC. In the district, where Democrats hold a large majority, she is now seen as likely to win the congressional seat in November. During the campaign, she apologized for old deleted posts that included anti-Democratic Party remarks and the claim, “Israel does not exist.”

Chevalier also supports abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, and says she opposes deportations. Valdez also won her primary in Brooklyn and Queens’ 7th District, with support from Senator Bernie Sanders. Valdez has a labor-organizing background at Columbia University and with the auto workers’ union. Mamdani appeared in campaign ads for both women and urged voters to support them, saying he had done the same in his own election last year.